Treadmill...or running in the snow?

Dawn Cass · February 18, 2014 11:13AM

Hello, with the weather we have been having, looking for some advise on my running plan. Currently in January OS and doing most all of my runs of the treadmill. Benefit here is that it's safer than sliding around on the ice...and you can be more consistent on pace targets. Downside is of course is that it is a treadmill...and it's always better/more fun to run outside.

Is it"ok" that the majority of my training is treadmill or am I going to be at a disadvantage once the temps warm up and I can get outside (which feels like it's going to be a while from now!)

Appreciate help/thoughts.

Dawn

Edwin Croucher · February 18, 2014 2:00PM

Dawn, I feel your pain. I live in Oswego, NY just east of Lake Ontario. That means Lake effect snow and a lot of it. Rich encourages Treadmill running. You are more consistent. i find that I am faster on the road.

rlh2000 · February 18, 2014 2:46PM

I have always despised the mil and averaged about 1-2 runs on it a year. This year has been hell, so I was forced to use it a lot more. I grew to tolerate it, I could never go longer than 6 miles without hating life, but actually liked it for consistency with the intervals and stuff. The disadvantage for me is that I wasn't getting in many longer runs, but for the most part, that is not the priority of the OS. How I see it, any disadvantage you might have from just doing treadmill is better than the major disadvantage if you get injured running in the snow/ice!

Darren Freeman · February 19, 2014 10:00AM

@Dawn, Just make sure you don't do any TV interviews when others ask you why you are out running in the snow.

See attached link: http://deadspin.com/runner-eats-it-immediately-after-interview-about-runnin-1519107024

Dawn Cass · February 21, 2014 9:22AM

Thanks all for the comments! @Darren, love the video! ;-)

Coaches, any input from your side?

Dawn

Coach Patrick · February 24, 2014 9:18PM

@Dawn the downsides to prolonged treadmill running, aside from insanity, is a shortened stride and weaker glutes...these can be remedied with a few weeks of outdoor running...if you leave the 'mill and expect day one to crush a race on the open road you will be sorely mistaken...but you will be fine. As a professional crash test dummy, I assure you that not falling is really really important!

Dawn Cass · February 25, 2014 8:21AM

Thanks Patrick!

Coach Patrick · February 25, 2014 8:43PM

Of course!!!

Treadmill...or running in the snow?

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