Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running

The Marine asked me recently which is better running on the treadmill or running outside when training for an event. Now immediately most runners would probably say, “Running outside, of course!” I am not so quick do dismiss the benefits of running inside. And that is exactly what I consider treadmill workouts, running inside. I only make this distinction because some people consider running on a treadmill too easy to adequately train you for any distance and therefore the activity is a hybrid of running and an elliptical machine. I think they are wrong on that account. My simple answer is the road is best, but the belt is very useful.

Running on a treadmill offers many Pros that running outside does not. Among the most compelling reasons to hit the machines are the following: treadmills can regulate a runner’s pace such that proper pacing and rhythm is established early, and for seasoned runners can be reintroduced after many outdoor workouts.

Second, I believe a runner is more likely to adhere to pre-planned speed workouts, and therefore see noticeable gains in speed and endurance. In fact, I attribute my increased speed over the winters to frequent speed workouts in the gym.

Third, of course most obviously, it increases the likelihood of sticking to training plans, either in the summer or winter. Often, my motivation wanes because of undesirable weather conditions. Treadmill workouts give me an alternative to running in freezing or frying temperatures. Thus I am more likely to stick to the plan, no matter what the weather.

Finally (although there are probably many more unlisted benefits), for the motivation-impaired treadmills provide the safe atmosphere in which a runner may lose themselves in a movie, music, or even reading materials. This feeling of mental distraction allows the runner to get the miles in while not feeling bored to tears. I certainly do not consider running boring, but I am not blind to the possibility that others are not as enthusiastic about long distances.

Although I strongly advocate treadmill usage as a net benefit for training, I would be remiss not to mention its detriments. I have found the distraction available to treadmill use can strip the runner of necessary concentration. The concentration learned can be essential to knowing your running body and those lessons can be pivotal under race conditions. Also, no matter how you adjust the settings the real world can never be duplicated, and this is exactly why I advocate treadmills only as a supplement, not a steady diet.

So, if your feeling like a good speed workout, or you’re just feeling blah from the weather; then strap on your shoes and hit the machines, but don’t forget that you seldom find races run on a belt.

mjpsig 2007 Race Schedule

Rock n’ Roll Marathon (Phoenix, AZ) - http://www.rnraz.com/ – January 14, 2007 - (Completed 3:51)

LA Marathon (Los Angeles, CA) - http://www.lamarathon.com/ – March 3, 2007 - (Completed 3:28)
· The bags are packed and we’re ready to go… TG and I are all signed up, have the hotel room and are ready to race. We have no idea what to expect, but we’re excited to make the trek from DC to LA.

Ocean Drive Marathon (Cape May, NJ) - http://www.odmarathon.com/ – March 25, 2007 - (registered)
· My brother are ready to brave the anticipated high winds as this race travels from the southern tip of NJ in Cape May 26.2 miles north to Sea Isle City. The best part will be the finish beer at the Ocean Drive Bar and Grill.

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Washington, D.C.) – http://www.cherryblossom.org/ – April 1, 2007 (registered)
· This should be a quick 10 miler on a portion of the Marine Corps Marathon course. By all accounts this will be crowed, but its something I’ve got to do if I plan on truly living in DC.

Lakefront 10 Miler (Chicago, IL) –
· I completed this race in 2005, all I can remember is that it was COLD. Since the race is on the Chicago Lake Path it can be crowed. So if you like an awesome view of Chicago and don’t mind a crowed course, then sign up! After all its does have a great long-sleeve technical Tee.

The Colorado Marathon (Ft. Collins, CO) - http://www.ftcollinsmarathon.com- May 6, 2007 - Registered
· This is a pretty small race and almost totally downhill. 16% of the field runs a boston qualifier. If I can hold up from March and April, maybe I will be one of those 16%.

Pikes Peak Marathon (Manitou Springs, CO) - http://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/ – August 19, 2007 - Registered
· I’ve heard I should expect the first half (the ascent) to take as long as my normal full marathon time.

Air Force Marathon (WPAFB, Dayton, OH) - http://www.usafmarathon.com/ – September 15, 2007 (most likely)
· Amazingly, this is an awesome race! The field is small, but it never felt that way. The people were terrific and I never felt like I was waiting for an aid station. There are two long, steady hills in the first four miles and in the last five miles. But if you train well, you won’t have any trouble.

LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL) - http://www.chicagomarathon.com/ - October 7, 2007 - (registered)
· Just me and 44,997 on my closest friends! That’s 45,000 minus the Marine, TG, and Me. Can’t wait! Tons of crowds, Tons of People and a very, very flat course.

Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, VA) - http://www.marinemarathon.com/ – October 28, 2007 - (Sign ups are May 9th)
· Ooh Rah!!! Considering I live four blocks from the finish I figure I should give this a go! Plus it’s a pretty awesome race to watch!!!

ING New York marathon (New York, NY) - http://www.nycmarathon.com/ - November 4, 2007 - (Lottery doesn’t begin until March)
· I’m a Chicagoan for life, but I’m interested in running this race once – even if it is in New York. Let’s see if I get in. A lottery? What’s that crap?

Patience ...

Okay, I'm going through a serious case of withdrawal. I haven't run since Sunday and last week I covered less than 10 miles (assuming you dont count the marathon on the 14th). Its hard to hold myself back from going out for a run despite the fact that I know I need the rest, as a result of a serious case of runner's knee and a pulled muscle in my lower back.

Starting this Sunday, I think I'll ease myself back into running. Its just hard to know how to strike the balance between allowing my body to recover and staying down for so long that I lose everything I've been working for since August. Not to mention the fact that I'd like to be ready for L.A. on March 4th.

2007 New Years Resolution

After 2006 left me clinging to my one marathon finish at the 2006 Air Force Marathon, I have decided to embark on an ambitious journey of the soul. Ultimately, if my body holds up I will complete 12 Marathons this year. I know what you're thinking, "why?!” Well, no reason at all, I just want to see if I can do it.

Here's what I think... I've already rocked Phoenix (see the posting rnraz) and I'm going to roll right into Los Angeles and Ocean Drive in March. From there, I haven't decided yet.

I met some incredible people at the Air Force Marathon that really got me thinking about pushing past one or two Marathons a year. One guy was running 30 marathons from Marine Corps 2005 to Marine Corps 2006. Another couple was in the midst of running 50 marathons in 2006. They were an amazing bunch, and you know what? They were just like you and me. They worked hard (one was in the Military and the others were dentists) and had the discipline to put in big miles while maintaining a life.

I’m motivated, focused and fully healed. I will always keep the excruciating pain of the stress fracture in the back of my mind. Hopefully, because of it, I will be a smarter runner. No more speed workouts followed by speed workouts followed by more speed workouts. This year is about steady consistent runs. 2007 is a year for base mile building because who knows what may come in 2008 – Maybe a 100 miler!!!

The Big Daddy of 2007

The LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon registration has opened!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

This will be the 30th Anniversary and will take place October 7, 2007.

45,000 runners will be allowed to register this year, which beats last year's 40,000. Not that I would know much about that, since my stress fracture put an end to what would have been my 3rd CM in as many years. Anyway, the Marine did it, and I was just happy to join in on the spectator fun.

Don't forget to sign up at www.chicagomarathon.com - it's $110 this year (up $10 from last year). Just do it!

I'll see you at the start - I'm already registered.

January is a good month to start...

Allright, I've started this Blog so that we can all chat about our training, races, injuries, blisters, bumps, lumps and motivations. Feel free to write about anything you want related to Marathon training and races...

Have a good run... write about it. Have a nasty blister... write about it. See some special squirrel on the trail... write about it.

I'm excited to hear about anything and everything...