[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]I have recently starting running outdoors. The satisfaction post run mixed with the fresh air was leaving me feeling full of energy and on top of my weights sessions, I was finally starting to feel like “I was back”. Food is better and I’m starting to feel more confident. But this got me thinking “What is better for me, running outside? Or on the treadmill?”
For a year before I discovered weights, I ran in the gym for about 45 minutes six days a week, so I’m more than comfortable and happy with just plugging my headphones in, zoning out and running until my legs feel like jelly, but what is better?
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pgpt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/run.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]
Outdoor Running
Pros
Running outside can create more variety in effort due to terrain and wind resistance. The constant change in gradient and also the direction and speed of the wind will change the effort that you are putting in.
Running outside can create visual satisfaction and creating targets based on landmarks can really help create a sense of achievement and give you a clear goal to run towards. The ultimate goal is to get back to your basecamp! No stepping off the treadmill and then finding your way home (unless you have a treadmill at home).
Running outside uses more muscles as your hamstrings fire up on during the end of your stride, whereas a treadmill does this for you. So for maximum calorie burn and muscle engagement, outdoor running is the best.
Cons
The weather can limit your ability to run, rain and cold can deter you from going and extreme heat can leave one feeling tired and dehydrated. Always remember to bring a bottle of water with you when running in warm weather.
Sometimes running outside can feel daunting or almost embarrassing, what if you need to walk, or your pace is very slow? Are the people in the cars watching you? The answer is most certainly no…when I see a someone whether walking or running, I commend them.
Without some sort of run tracker app or a fitness watch it is hard to know exactly how far you have gone. I’m one for numbers…I will wear my watch on every run to try and push the pace or the distance each time[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pgpt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tread.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]
Treadmill Running
Pros
When running on the treadmill you have greater control of your pace. It’s easy to slow down when running outside, but this is not possible on a treadmill without physically pushing a button. This will allow you to keep pushing, even when it feel difficult.
Gradient – unless you can find a very big hill to climb, treadmills are great for incline running.
Sprints – maintaining a fast pace and having the ability to track your speed and time during sprints is easier on a treadmill as all of the information is in front of you.
Cons
Running on a treadmill can seem boring, looking at the same thing for a long period of time can become mundane.
Agility and functionality is lost, you lose your ability to improve coordination and balance. We don’t live our everyday lives in a straight line, so why should be train in one?
Getting to a gym is often a struggle when you are short of time. A road run will eliminate travel time. Allowing you to spend your time exercising, or leaving you time to do other things.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]So, there are ups and downs to both. I think I will continue with my road runs in the evenings and utilise my time in the gym doing weight training and sprints. The ultimate goal is to keep moving and enjoy what you are doing![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]