RUNNERS...I have a question....

To those of you who run....
Is it different when you run outside on 'street' material (asphalt, concrete, etc) than when you run on the treadmill??
I ask because a friend wants me to run a 5K with her and I have only ever run on my treadmill...never outdoors....but I have a problem with my hip (hip dysplasia) and I'm worried that the surfaces being so much harder might cause injury.

Any insight? Advice??
I'm going to go for a run at the nearby track this Friday just to see but any info before I take that step would be appreciated

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

i think it's very different, mainly because the treadmill will keep you going at a certain pace and is easier because you aren't dealing with the elements like wind. I would definitely run outside to see how it impacts your injury though..

Message edited 3/8/2011 7:27:02 PM.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

It is different, but there are studies that say the treadmill gives a false sense of security and can cause issues as well.


A track is a good place to start, but remember that they have some spring and bounce to it.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

It is very different- definatly try running outside a few times before a race. You pace yourself differently and the impact is much harder.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

for me, running outside is much different. it's a lot more difficult for me to run outside and also the impact is harder.

i'd start training outside if you want to run in a 5K so you get used to it.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

Much different. I can go so much faster on the treadmill and rarely get knee pain. I am slower outside due to hills, wind, and the other elements, and I get BAD knee pain. But you can train for a 5K on the treadmill, just don't expect to go as fast outside as your fatest on the treadmill.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

Interesting...I found it so much easier to run outside. The treadmill always does a number on my body. Additionally, I am (usually) faster outside.

Message edited 3/8/2011 7:23:41 PM.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

It's different but I read on runners world that if you train for an event on a treadmill, you should set the incline to one.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

my doctor told me to avoid sidewalks (concrete) and try to stay on asphalt. I'm usually faster outside, but tend to get more injuries outside as well. I spend the whole summer outside and most of the winter on the treadmill. It's better for me to ease back into outside training and not jump right to it with a long run.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

I do a great deal of running on the treadmill and part of me thinks it actually helps me go faster outside. The incline definitely helps simulate outside. As the others suggested, it might not be a bad idea to try a run or two outside. I try to do at least one run per week outside if I can.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

I guess I'm just gonna have to get out there and try it out. As long as I'm not in excruciating pain then I'm all in for doing the race. After that i'll focus on my time (right now i'm pretty slow...I do 3 miles in about 40 minutes)

You gals are great!! Thank you so much!!

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

Different for me too...treadmill is easier for me... Like the PP said, I started running on a 1 incline, pretty much all winter, and I think it made my recent run outside (first one in a long time) much easier.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

I usually run on 1.5 incline. Feels the most natural.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

Yes it's different, I get shin splints outside that I don't get on a treadmill.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

You also have outdoor elements.. puddles, sand, gravel, pot holes, hills, dirt, debris so your run can be more challanging which is good. I find running outdoors is more stimulating and time seems to fly by. On a tread its easier to do speed intervals to train so both are great but like the OP said start runs outside and see how it goes.

good luck

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

My trainer told me to avoid running on concrete. Asphalt idmuch better for your knees, feet etc. She also told me that the treadmil keeps you at a steady pace and helps to propel you forward. I'm afraid of the treadmill, so I only run on asphalt.

Re: RUNNERS...I have a question....

Thank you all so much for your responses. I am going to go out tomorrow for my first run outdoors so I will keep you all posted on how it goes.