Treadmill vs outdoor running

I have been running about 2 miles on my treadmill 3 to 4 days a week for about a year now. I recently decided to enter a 5k, so I started running 3.1 miles. I have done it 5 times now with little struggle, but I was wondering if it is more difficult running on concrete?

Its different.  The ground is not moving beneath you, there is no slight give beneath your toes.  You use a slightly different kind of momentum when you're on solid ground rather than a treadmill.

You would probably be fine going from a 5k inside to outside, but I'd give it a try before the race. 

Running outside is sooo much better for me, I can totally run further and longer outside. On the treadmill, I'll do maybe 3.5 miles and feel wiped out, whereas outside I could do 4 - 5 miles and it's not such a struggle and average time is about the same on the treadmill and outside. I think that I just get tired of staring at the wall and I can't read because it's hard to focus on the words on the pages. Also, I think that the treadmill is harder because my pace isn't adjusting naturally, I have to speed it up or slow it down, whereas outside, I just run and speed up or slow down based on how I'm feeling without thinking about it.

I run on a treadmill b/c I refuse to run in a busy city--too many people.  I do put the treadmill on a slight incline (1.5) in order to mimic possible hills.  It's not as pretty or fun as running outside, but there's no one in my way ;)

You should be fine jumping into a 5K without running outside first, but I'd be wary of pushing to yourself too hard.  It will feel different, and it's possible you'll feel more tired.  In the end, I guess my best advice is just to enjoy the run.  

Goodluck!

Go for an outdoor run. You can go http://www.mapmyrun.com and plot out a 5k, then time yourself and find out if it is comparable. Good luck!

I agree with the others, it is different. Just some advice, try running longer than a 5k if you are training for one. That way the actual 5k event will be a breeze.

I would definitly recommend getting some outdoor running under your belt.  You will feel a big difference.

Thanks everyone! I ran 3.5 miles outside lastnight and I can't believe what I was missing! It was more exciting and I was able to run a lot faster and further. I am going to enter the 5k for sure!

I too am getting ready for my first 5k.  Personal goal for me, especially since I'm not a natural runner.  I also have only done the treadmill.  I have about 8 weeks to go and have never done anything like this before, so any tips or suggestions would be great! I looked at the c25k website and did not like what they had for beginners....20 miles a week for training!!!! My mind has a hard time contemplating I need that much running to train for 3 miles....I also do not run anywhere near that amount now.  Honestly, I've only gone for 3 miles a handful of times at this point.  Pointers...?

Original Post by gymcoach79:

I looked at the c25k website and did not like what they had for beginners....20 miles a week for training!!!! 

I thought the C25K was in minutes?!?  If you can run 3.1 miles on the treadmill, you will be fine.  I would just TRY to run outside a few times before the race, and if you can swing it, once a week would really get you ready for the "feel" of running outside.

and yes, put your treadmill on at least a 1% incline to offset the effects of treadmill versus outdoors running.

Original Post by wesmckean:

Original Post by gymcoach79:

I looked at the c25k website and did not like what they had for beginners....20 miles a week for training!!!!

I thought the C25K was in minutes?!? If you can run 3.1 miles on the treadmill, you will be fine. I would just TRY to run outside a few times before the race, and if you can swing it, once a week would really get you ready for the "feel" of running outside.

and yes, put your treadmill on at least a 1% incline to offset the effects of treadmill versus outdoors running.

It's 20 to 30 minutes 3 times per week, combination of walking and running. I don't think it adds up to 20 miles per week, maybe 6 miles combination walking/running per week.

LOL Maybe I looked at it wrong...I will have to go check it out again.  Thanks guys!