treadmill running vs. real running

You can most definitely get the same benefits on a treadmill - but there are several factors to note.

1)Speeds are not equivalent - i.e. a given mile per hour pace is easier on the treadmill than outside due to the lack of wind resistance.

2)I'm sure this doesn't happen to everyone - but I've found that if I run too high a percentage of my miles on the treadmill, I can get repetitive stress-type injuries in my back. But I've found this can be avoided if I throw in some incline-based workouts.

All in all - it helps me get workouts in when a variety of factors might prevent me from running outside.

I've never had that problem. My friend has another issue, though, with the treadmill. He finds it harder to balance himself when he's on a treadmill (running is basically a balancing act since only one foot touches the ground at any given time). In order to 'solve' his balancing problem, he has to look down, which also throws off his running form. Incidentally, my friend also has minor balance issues when not on the treadmill

Of course if the wind is at your back on an outdoor run, the reverse would be true.

I find any constant incline on the 'mill over 2% aggravates my lower back.

Likewise here.

That's interesting. I've got a lousy sense of balance and I feel 'unbalanced' on a treadmill too. In fact, I find it much harder to run the same time for a mile/kilometer etc on a 'mill than outside and thinking about it, it may well be because I'm worried about staying upright. And I get bored too, I can't watch telly or look at the other folks in the gym, I'm always watching my feet!

Treadmills are terribly boring. I can run outside for 4 or 5 miles - no problem . However, when running on a treadmill, 10 minutes is too long. I watch that timer count down and it becomes all too clear that I am running on a rotating rubber mat in a confined space - much like a hamster on his exercise wheel. Covering up the display doesn't help to avoid the torture. I realize most of it is mental, as is running in general. Hats off to those that can actually log <miles> on a treadmill.

I'm not convinced by the 'wind resistance' argument. (As others have pointed out, the wind is often at your back when running outdoors.) But inertia and gravity are very real things. There is a difference between keeping your body mass still as you do on a treadmill, and propelling that same mass across the terrain.* IMHO, any comparison between 'real' running and running done on a mill will always be 'apples to oranges'. As with most things in life, your mileage may vary. If the mill keeps you fit and happy, go for it.

Geimer

* DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHOR ARE NOT THOSE OF AN ACTUAL PHYSCIST.

Interesting! My snot tends to actually get runnier as the weather gets colder.

Tell me, is it painful to remove from your face after you run?

I tripped on a sidewalk crack last Saturday and went down right in front of the Senior Citizen Center. One gentleman actually asked, 'Now, were you trying to get someplace in a hurry?' LOL

Begin Quote I'm not convinced by the 'wind resistance' argument. (As others have pointed out, the wind is often at your back when running outdoors.) End Quote

If you end up where you started, you can bet the wind will even out, other than that which the runner adds. However I don't have any real information, but I believe it is a much smaller effect than suggested.

Begin Quote There is a difference between keeping your body mass still as you do on a treadmill, and propelling that same mass across the terrain.* End Quote

No. Lets look at a basic law of physics. 'A body at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted on by some force. - A body in motion will stay in motion, at the same speed and direction, unless acted on by some force. This is very basic physics.

On a treadmill you body is not moving (relative to the earth) other than up and down as you run. When running your body is moving (relative to the earth) but not increasing or decreasing speed, other than up and down as you run. There is no energy being used when running that is not being used on the treadmill. (Note I will allow a small use of energy when running consumed when taking that first and last step which will increase your speed and decrease your speed. There is also some additional adjustment needed for turns.

Begin Quote * DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHOR ARE NOT THOSE OF AN ACTUAL PHYSCIST. End Quote

Clearly.

Even in still air, you expend approximately 5% of your energy just moving the air out of the way (at running speeds when one rides a bike it approaches 80%).

You must be one of those damned nose-breathers