linzv494 asked:
I can run a 6:45 minute mile on the treadmill but when running on a track it takes me about 9 minutes. I am not sure the reason and I am wondering if anyone else can tell me why I can run so much faster on a treadmill.
I can run a 6:45 minute mile on the treadmill but when running on a track it takes me about 9 minutes. I am not sure the reason and I am wondering if anyone else can tell me why I can run so much faster on a treadmill.
Tags: Reason, Running Track, Treadmill Running
One reason is you are running in place on a treadmill, when you run outside air molecules cause drag on your body. My sister in law runs a park district and runs marathons, I asked her that once too.
wind can cause 10% (+ – ) increase in time running outdoors. Try inclining the treadmill 2-3 degrees to simulate wind conditions. Then there are things such as terrain and hills to contend with if you are running through your neighborhood rather than a track.
You are setting the pace and looking at the mileage and time counting down, outside you do not have that pleasure and are probably running too hard at first and getting tired? Or not running fast enough.
Im just the opposite, I get worn out too fast running on a treadmill, but I could run 20+ without stopping outside.
Wind could also be a factor and the temperature outside couls slow you down and tire you out more.
What it is is that when running on the treadmill, the stuff your running on is constantly moving and thus making it easier to make your feet go back, whereas the ground doesn’t move so you don’t get that little “boost”.
treadmill running is easier
I’m not sure of the reason, perhaps it’s bc you are visually seeing the clock/watch on the treadmill to keep you in check also it’s easier in your legs than on the asphalt or track etc, outdoor terrain is different on a lot of levels
I’m surprised that it makes that much of a difference, but there are many facts to consider:
1. a treadmill is like a perfect running surface: it is horizontally flat, it returns spring to your step more than solid ground, and there is no incline. Try running with the gradient at about 2% and this will feel much more like a track.
2. many treadmills don’t have very accurate speed sensors, so you might find that while you think you are running at 10mph, for example, you are actually doing more like 8, but the treadmill will calculate the time taken to cover the distance based on you doing 10mph.
3. you need to take environmental factors into account: if you are in a cool, air conditioned gym, you will tire less easily than out on a hot track.
These are just a few suggestions, but there may be other reasons too. Another thing to make sure is that you are wearing the same shoes etc. as there is a lot of difference between the normal trainers you might wear to the gym and dedicated running shoes.
Try to keep the conditions exactly the same in the gym and on the track, and see if the difference between the times decreases.
I have the same problem
i can run for like 14 minutes on a treadmill at a very good pace but when i run outside i wouldnt make 14 minutes
There may be a few reasons, Running on the TM has a different surface from outside the ground beneath you is moving,some put the TM incline up by about 2% to make up for the surface. Also just might be a change of environment as you have the fresh air outside which you don’t on the TM.
Personally I find TM hard work, my speed is slower than outside.
your issue is not uncommon, running on a treadmill is a little like running downhill(not a lot, but a little) but like another person mentioned here, it shouldn’t be THAT big of a difference. 6:45 to 9 minutes in only one mile? I can easily see that variance from mile to mile if you are running a marathon, but with 1 mile, that’s too much. I can also see that difference if you were comparing running around your neighborhood to running on a treadmill, because your neighborhood will, have hills, slopes, turns, obstacles to dodge, people to run around and intersections to stop and wait for traffic. But since you are comparing a treadmill to a running track and only 1 mile…..it should be closer .
The problem is most likely the speed sensor on your treadmill. I would adjust the speed sensor on your treadmill so that the sensor is no more the the width of a credit card from the magnet on the pulley(all you should need is a phillips screwdriver to do this). And then you will want to calibrate the speed of the treadmill, feel free to email me with the make and model of your treadmill if you want some help figuring out how to calibrate it…it’s really quite easy with most machines.
There are several reasons why you can do it on a treadmill and not on a track.
1. Elements – You are in a climate-controlled environment. You don’t have sunshine, rain, wind, crosswind, or the many other effects of being outside harassing you. You’re inside, where it’s peaceful and calm.
2. Treadmills – The treadmill moves the ground underneath you. You can set the speed for 10 mph and fly along if you can pick your feet up fast enough. When you’re outside, you are physically driving yourself forward, not letting the ground run underneath you. It takes more strength and endurance to do that. Plus, with effects, you’re not running into the wind.
3. Surface – No matter how soft or graded the track is, you are running on uneven surfaces compared to a treadmill. Treadmills are flat. Tracks have small rocks, different surface features, and your stabilizers work to keep you upright. That energy is spent staying on your feet, not spent running forward.
4. Turns – If you are running in circles, you slow down to make your turns. You run straight ahead, a single line, on a treadmill, so you need not make turns and slow down.
I hope that answers your question.