Can anyone explain this to me?

And maybe offer some tips?

I started running in March. I had been exercising for a while (P90, P90X, mostly) and decided to just try it. Until about a month ago I was doing 3ish miles about once a week (while still doing other workouts) and I would alternate walking and running. Then I decided I wanted to start running for real. About 2 weeks ago I signed up for my first race, a 4 mile, and have been training for it. I run pretty much every other day, and at this point I am doing 4+ miles each time, for the most part. Because I have mild asthma I have been running mostly on the treadmill - it is just too hard outside in the heat/humidity. Anyways, I've made it to 4 miles straight! (more even). I'm so proud and love love love running. So, the other day it was a bit cooler so in the evening I did an outdoor run. Granted, it was a bit hilly, but I found it sooo hard. I went slow, but I could really only do 3.5 miles, and my legs/knees were sooo sore right after and that evening. They were fine the next day but why was it so much harder on me - both the distance and in terms of soreness - running outside? Everyone always told me outdoors is easier! Now I'm worried about race day. I want to run outside more, but I know I can do 4+ miles on the treadmill (at a slight incline even), and I don't know about outside. Help?

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

First off, congrats on the first race!

When you run on the treadmill, are you putting it on any incline? The treadmill was always easier for me as well but someone told me to have the incline on the treadmill to at least a 2.0 and that seemed to help level out the difficulty between the treadmill and outside. Even still on an incline though, I find the treadmill less challenging than outside. Also, I have read that when most people switch from the treadmill to the outside, its hard to learn to pace yourself at a comfortable level, since most treadmill calibrations aren't accurate people start off too quick and don't account for uphills and climate.

Don't give up. You will adjust to running outside in no time!

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

See, I heard the opposite, and experienced the same thing you did - that it was tougher to be outside.

First, two questions - what kind of footwear do you have and how do you know how fast you're running outside?

The sneakers were SO important to me, and I firmly believe in spending $$$ to get the right ones. Your joints are worth it.

Also, I tend to jog faster outside without realizing it. I have no screen to check, and have to really pay attention to where my feet are hitting the ground (mid foot is best) and that I'm not "pounding the pavement". It's hard! When you're using your muscles for a softer footfall, it's harder.

I went from treadmill to the high school track first. Then part track, part road. Then all road. Maybe it was just a shock for you and you need to just change it up a little to have even better runs.

Congratulations on what you've achieved, that's awesome!

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

Posted by greenfreak

See, I heard the opposite, and experienced the same thing you did - that it was tougher to be outside.

First, two questions - what kind of footwear do you have and how do you know how fast you're running outside?

The sneakers were SO important to me, and I firmly believe in spending $$$ to get the right ones. Your joints are worth it.

Also, I tend to jog faster outside without realizing it. I have no screen to check, and have to really pay attention to where my feet are hitting the ground (mid foot is best) and that I'm not "pounding the pavement". It's hard! When you're using your muscles for a softer footfall, it's harder.

I went from treadmill to the high school track first. Then part track, part road. Then all road. Maybe it was just a shock for you and you need to just change it up a little to have even better runs.

Congratulations on what you've achieved, that's awesome!

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

Oh hell yes, the hills would do it! Humidity affects me as well, I prefer to jog in the fall and winter but you gotta deal I guess. But you know the challenges now and can adapt.

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

I find road running more difficult than treadmill running. I just attribute it to the treadmill propelling me rather than my own legs. I can run much faster on the treadmill than I can on the street.

Re: Can anyone explain this to me?

It is definitely different. On the road you ebb and flow; on the TM you are static.

You will get used to outdoors though and on race day you will have adrenaline that will see you through.

Can anyone explain this to me?

I agree. Street running is harder ..not as smooth or level so I feel myself adjusting a lot to accommodate the conditions. Love outdoor running/walking the scenery takes my mind off it.