FitSugar

Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:45:20 PST

Spring just around the corner, so now is the time to hop off the treadmill and hit the open road. Exercising in fresh air is bound to make you happier, but it might be a little rougher on your joints since treadmills are more forgiving than concrete and asphalt. Plus, moving your run outdoors means you lose the assistance of the treadmill pulling your legs backward, so your body works harder striking the ground with a bit more zeal. I encourage you to get outside, but use these tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Ease into it. Move your runs outside gradually to allow your joints time to acclimate to the new running surface. I suggest adding one new outdoor run to your regimen each week decreasing the number of treadmill runs you do until all your runs are outside. If you run four times a week, the transition will take a month. Also, don't make your long run your first run outside.
You might feel slower. You might feel slower running outside with wind resistance, unpredictable road surfaces, and the challenge of propelling yourself forward off of solid ground. On the brighter side, you might be so inspired by the beauty of nature that you won't even notice your pace.

Keep on reading for more tips.

You Asked: Running in Polluted Air

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:07:37 PST

Hi FitSugar, Has the topic of running and pollution been raised recently? I live in Los Angeles and gave up running in the morning because my lungs would burn afterward and I'd be coughing the rest of the day. I wouldn't have the symptoms when I ran before rush hour, at night, or at the gym. I am a non-smoker, typically running 3-5 miles at an easy pace, 2-3 days per week. Have other readers had the same experience, or do you have some thoughts on avoiding pollution-related lung or heart damage for city runners? -Secondhand Smog Sucks

This is a great question, and one that extends to international proportions. Training in pollution was a huge topic during the Beijing 2008 Olympics due to the city's high level of air pollutants. Individuals noted that running in Beijing was a nightmare on the lungs, and many athletes refused to train there before the games. And though air pollution in Beijing is a whopping five times higher than the World Health Organization's standard, it got people thinking about what harmful effects they might be exposing themselves to when exercising outdoors.

To find out what risks are associated with exercising outdoors,

Even though the United States adheres to strict air quality standards, exercising outdoors may be risky. Air quality varies from city to city, and since athletes breathe with "particular vigor and oomph," this might be especially harmful in cities with poorer air quality, like Los Angeles. As reported by the New York Times:

Dr. Kenneth Rundell, the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, said, "Athletes typically take in 10 to 20 times as much air," and thus pollutants, with every breath as sedentary people do.

Despite this news, experts say that you shouldn't stop running outside. The good news is that the risks associated with air pollution are small compared with the damages associated with "cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or high blood pressure." Instead, limit your exposure to air pollutants: avoid running at rush hour and keep as far away from traffic as possible. Also, stay away from any areas where exhaust may be an issue. Because ozone levels are at their lowest when the sun goes down, work out at night or during early morning hours.

And while the short term effects of air pollution fall in line with what you describe - burning lungs or eyes, coughing, and chest tightness - the long-term effects (especially in relation to low-level exposure) are a new area of study with spotty data. The EPA does warn that constant exposure to "dust, fuel combustion, power plants, and diesel buses and trucks" can cause significant health problems like chronic bronchitis or asthma.

To be extra safe, check your local air quality forecast before heading out. If air quality is poor, make that a day to exercise indoors. Keep in mind that when exercising outdoors you breathe in a lot more pollutants than otherwise so consider keeping workouts inside if air quality is ranked as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," and most definitely if it falls below this level.

A Little More on the Treadmill vs. Running Outside Debate

FitSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:30:00 PDT

We all have personal preferences: dark chocolate over milk, red wine over white, running outside over running on a treadmill. Wait! I like both hitting the pavement in my sneakers and chalking up miles on a treadmill. And it looks like variety is a good thing when it comes to where you choose to run. You shouldn't really place yourself too strongly in either camp.

Running outside definitely has its benefits, like boosting your mood and making you feel more invigorated than running indoors. You also burn about five percent more calories when running outside. Which makes sense since you have to contend with the elements (like wind – oh how I hate running into a headwind!), and you don't have the assistance of the treadmill belt pulling your legs back for you. Studies have also shown that when running on treadmills, we tend to go a bit slower than we would on a track.

To see the benefits of running on a treadmill just

On the other hand, or should I say foot since we are talking about running, treadmills reduce the incidence of overuse injuries by up to 50 percent. Running stresses the legs, particularly the lower leg. Think shin splints and you will know what I mean. By preventing and decreasing overuse injuries, the treadmill can help keep you running for longer and possibly farther (even though you are not really moving forward).

Once again the take home message is to mix it up. Treadmills, with their steady pace, work like a metronome on tempo runs. You set your pace a little past your comfort zone and the constant motion of the belt keeps you moving. Running outside is invigorating and a great way to see the world.

So where do you fall in this debate? And have I convinced you to try running on the other side? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source

Running on a Treadmill vs. Running Outdoors

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:45:00 PDT

You may opt to run on a treadmill because it is convenient but you may be choosing the treadmill because it is easier as well. Have you ever run three miles on a treadmill and thought, "That was a piece of cake," but then when you run three miles outside you think, "I thought I was in shape; that was so hard!"

The reason is that running on a treadmill is a lot different than running outdoors and here are several reasons why:

The rearward rolling treadmill belt offers help to your legs by pulling your feet back underneath your body, which means you could be exerting less energy to move your feet and legs than if you were running outdoors on a surface that doesn't give your legs momentum.
When you run on a treadmill, you do not have to overcome any kind of wind resistance, which means you'll use less energy than if you were running with wind resistance. More than just wind though, running indoors maintains or offers stable elements. Indoor runners avoid cold/hot air, rain or sand, gravel, dirt, natural increase/decrease in the gradients of the pavement and other outdoor obstacles. Your body’s natural efforts to acclimate itself to these varying elements requires much more energy than the flat, cushy treadmill surface.
Pace is steady on a treadmill because it runs on a set (or variable) speed and your body has ample time to adjust. When you run outdoors, it is a different story because you no longer have a machine keeping pace, so if you are not skilled at pacing yourself, you either under or overcompensate which could make you winded.

Fit's Tip: If you are training for a race, you definitely want to train outdoors to properly get your body (physically and mentally prepared).

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!

Stay Cool on the Run: Hydrate Your Head

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:15:06 PDT

Strong sun and heat can make outdoor runs more challenging, and a big concern is the risk of heat exhaustion. To stay cool while running on a hot day, make sure to hydrate your head. Sound silly? Keep reading for this fail-proof tip.

Before heading outside, head to the bathroom and soak your hair by sticking your head under the faucet. Squeeze out some of the excess water, but leave it pretty wet, and then wrap your hair into a bun. If you have supershort hair, soak your head and a bandana, and wrap the wet cloth around your head. As you run, the cool breeze on your wet head will not only feel refreshing, but it will also help prevent overheating. On really hot days, carry a water bottle and periodically pour some water on top of your head to rewet your hair.

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run

Shape — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:11:45 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help!

The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you have had some success running on the treadmill, or you are completely new to outdoor running, there are two crucial factors that you must understand.

25 Most Deceiving Exercises (They Tone More Than You Think).

First, let's talk about a little guy named Newton. See, Newton has this law that states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Are you with me so far? Good. Well, with runners, the concern is what we run on. The harder the surface the greater the ground reaction force, which is basically the force exerted by the ground back onto the body (in this case, our little legs) that are in contact with it, is. To simplify this, surfaces like concrete and pavement will cause a greater reaction back into our joints and legs than an energy absorbing treadmill. This not only makes us work harder, but will tire us out faster and cause greater stress on our joints.

Are Your Workouts Causing Pain? How to Find Out.

Second, the treadmill is a flat belt that provides consistency with each step. There are no stones, traffic, or inclement weather activity that would cause you to be off balance or have to change your gait. Running outdoors forces the body to make constant small adjustments. That said, here is what’s going to make your outdoor run a successful one.

5 Unique Ways to Make the Most of Your Treadmill.

Learn how to make the most out of your outdoor runs after the break!

A Reader Shares Why She Loves Running in the Rain

Fit Community — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:05:25 PDT

Don't let the elements stop you! OnSugar blogger egilbride shares her thoughts on why she loves running in the rain in her blog, Ready to Run.

Today I went for a run . . . in the rain. I know most people HATE running in the rain, but sometimes I prefer it to running on a sunny day. Take my Rock n Roll Half-Marathon (did I mention it was my first half-marathon EVER?!) that I ran last August. I may sound a little extreme when I say this, but it was literally like a monsoon. And I loved every minute of it! If I had been running in 90-degree weather in the city in August, I'm not sure I would have finished. But running a half-marathon in the rain was . . . refreshing. Other than causing me to wait in line for the porta-potty a couple of times, the constant downpour didn't have much of an adverse effect on me.

Then today, I went for a run . . . and it was amazing. I left my cell phone at home (see my last post reviewing my armband), which meant no GPS and no way to track my time, other than by using my iPod nano, which was set for the wrong time. It was just me, the road, and the rain. And what did I accomplish? A lot! Since I didn't have my phone telling me when I hit each mile and what my time was, I wasn't as worried about speeding up my pace at every mile to hit my goal time. But instead, I reached another "goal," which was to run my entire "course" - which includes running around my ENTIRE hilly block, including one the size of Grendall - twice! And I felt great! It may seem like a small feat to some, but that 2.62 miles (it's just a guess) was the best accomplishment I've made since I started running again! Here's to more victories to come in the future!

Do you like running in the rain? Share your own thoughts on outdoor running below. Start your own OnSugar blog and we might feature your posts on our homepage.

On Long Training Runs, Stash Your Water Along the Way

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:35:15 PDT

Warm weather inspires many runners to head for the great outdoors. The gorgeous scenery definitely inspires me to tackle bigger trips, so whether you're running long distances for fun or are training for a marathon, here's a tip for staying hydrated: Instead of carrying around your water, stash it along the way. It's like having your own personal water stations!

Map out your route ahead of time and set markers every three miles or so. Fill up reusable water bottles with four to eight ounces of H20, and then take a drive before your run. Stash the bottles in safe, convenient, and appropriate spots so you can grab them quickly and gulp them down. Or, if you prefer, you can carry the bottles with you and sip as you run. Stash each empty container when you're done - just remember where you hid them so you can collect them all later.

Common Treadmill Woe: How to Avoid a Stiff Neck While Running

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:13:23 PDT

Many people prefer hitting the treadmill to running outdoors, but if you're not careful, along with that toned tush you might end up with a stiff neck, resulting in a nagging headache. Follow these tips the next time you hop on the treadmill to prevent this common running woe.

Keep Your Gaze Forward
One gym perk is its televisions, which allow you to catch up on the news or your favorite TV show. It becomes a problem, however, if your gym mounts its TVs on the wall instead of using individual screens on each machine - if you're looking up and to the right for 30 minutes straight, it's no secret why your neck hurts! Avoid cranking your head upward or all the way to one side by choosing a treadmill directly in front of the TV you're watching. Or better yet, bring in your iPad and place it on the magazine rack of your machine to keep your head directly over your spine. The same goes for chatting with your running buddy on the treadmill next to you - keep the conversation going while looking straight ahead.

Keep reading for more tips on preventing neck pain on the treadmill.