Sohu Sports News Q: What’s the difference between running on a treadmill and running outdoors?
A: Running on a treadmill feels somewhat easier on the body because the ground beneath your feet is being pulled backward, and there’s no wind resistance. Outdoor running requires more effort because you have to propel yourself forward step by step. Many treadmills are flat, making them a good choice if you’re overweight or prone to injury (especially those with knee issues who want to reduce impact). You can set the treadmill to a 1% incline to better simulate outdoor running.
Mentally, you might struggle with the monotony of the treadmill. (Here are some tips to beat boredom.) Of course, it’s easier to get distracted while running outdoors. Bottom line: If you’re training for a specific outdoor race, try to run outdoors as much as possible to prepare for race conditions. (Source: YeeYan)