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Got new treadmill set up on Friday, and did a quick 4k run on Saturday and 5k yesterday.
While I found running on it a lot easier than real running on the road (is this perceived or is it actually easier?) my calves are absolutely killing me today.
I normally don't get much muscle pain at all from a 5k run, and if I do its usually my thighs not my calves.
so does running on a treadmill affect different muscles, and how much easier is it than "real" running?
they often have a bit of a tilt to the bed so you're constantly running uphill (or you set it to an incline using the controls)?
It's easier than road as you're at a constant pace, not slowing down for junctions and then speeding up and it's on a constant speed and gradient.
Did you have it set on an incline? Calf pain is usually experienced by people switching to a mid/forefoot running style. If you were running on a incline the whole time you may have done this without realising. That's all I can think of!
I run "differently" on them, I couldn't tell you how exactly, but it feels different and I suspect my gait alters a bit. Whether that makes any difference or not I have no idea.
Not keen on 'em personally, I'd rather run outside in the countryside in all weathers
[edit]they've got a very unnatural bounce to them which must give you a bit of an easier run than the road imho of course[/edit]
I always assumed it was easier as the 'road' was moving for you but according to wiki it's just down to wind resistanceWhile I found running on it a lot easier than real running on the road (is this perceived or is it actually easier?)
"[i]Studies measuring the difference find that an average person running between 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h) and 9 miles per hour (14 km/h) will expend between 0 and 5 percent more energy running outdoors. A person running outdoors faster than 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) (6 minute mile pace) will expend up to 10% more energy than an indoor runner. Treadmills can approximate the additional effort of running outdoors by setting the incline to 1%[/i]"
With a treadmill, you are not pushing yourselves forwards as you do while running on the road. You also don't have any wind resistance.
I find when on a treadmill, my trailing leg tends to extend further back & I push off with my toes more. This is more noticeable at a fairly quick, striding pace.
Treadmills pull your leg back under the body rather than your body moving forward over your leg. This 'pulling' puts more strain on the hip-flexors than normal running.
Also, due to a couple of factors people tend to run with better form on a treadmill. Which will account for initial soreness if this is markedly different to how you normally run.
1% incline between 7:30 & 5:21 pace (minute miles) and 2% for over this pace will account for wind resistance. Slower than 7:30 min/mile there's no need.
What stumpy said. Different use of muscles due to less requirement to propel yourself forward.
i found:
*i felt more 'confined' on a treadmill, my stride got a little shorter, so i landed on my heels less - forefoot more.
(if you're not used to forefoot running, your calves will get tired quickly. it's a technique thing more than a strength thing)
*the treadmills i used seemed much harder than 'real' running, i nearly died trying to run an 'easy' 25min 5k.
*i got really sweaty - no airflow innit.
No wind resistance on a treadmill..
That's why planes can't take off em.