Treadmill vs outdoor running

[Cardiochick]

How different is running on a treadmill from running outdoors? I've been training on a treadmill and am doing week 7 run 2 tomorrow. I think I'd better run outdoors tomorrow since my 5k is in 10 days. I hope I haven't sabotaged myself by not running outdoors for all of these weeks.

[Lauraeliza30]

Have you set your treadmill to an incline of at least 1%? I ask because I have read that 1 to 3% incline simulates an outdoor environment. I'm not gonna lie I have heard it is a tough transition for some. I have two friends who waited to one run before their 5 k to run outside and they struggled. I think you are doing well, by switching it up now. I also see you are in FL, which I would imagine is the a lot of the reason for treadmill running! SOO HUMID (I am grew up in Louisiana so I can relate.... live in Denver now). Anyway, I was only running on a treadmill at first, but decided to start running outside at about the middle of week 4, I just started week 7 today. When I transitioned I didn't find it hard to adjust, and actually prefer it much better now. I just think by this point I would get so bored running on a treadmill now. I am sure you will transition just fine, and just keep at it if you struggle. Also, if you can download another app that can keep track of your pace and mileage, etc. I find it helpful and even fun to see the distance and your pace improve over time. It can be a real motivator to keep going.

[Cardiochick]

Thanks for the encouraging words. No, I haven't added an incline to the treadmill. Yes, it's because of the heat that I run inside and I haven't been doing morning runs when it would be cooler. I like the treadmill. I like seeing my distance and speed, etc. it motivates me. I'll definitely look into downloading a program like you suggest. My 5k will be in OH so hopefully the weather will be on my side. I am planning to run outside tomorrow morning if the rain stays away! I sure hope all of my hard work these past weeks haven't been for nothing. I'll probably sign up for another 5k in Orlando in the near future, and hopefully I'll be an avid outdoor runner by then.

[Cardiochick]

I ran outside this morning. It was very different and I'm glad I thought about this before my 5k. I hope I have enough time to transition myself. I enjoyed the scenery. The weather was cool and breezy. I didn't stare down the timer like I usually do on the treadmill. Some of the terrain was slightly inclined and that slowed me way down, but I never walked, although I was tempted to!! I believe my 5 k will take a little longer to run than I had anticipated during my treadmill runnier aiming. So my advice to any treadmill runners that plan to run a real 5k or more, get running or you'll have a big surprise on race day!

[Cardiochick]

I hate predictive texting. It should have said it will take me longer than anticipated to run the 5k than when I was timing on the treadmill.