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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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 Posted: 09/24/04 - 09:20 Post subject:
Run outside.
I know that sounds simplistic, but there's a dark side to treadmilling few like to bring up. Every single footfall mimics the previous one. In running especially, the most common injury stems from repetition. With a little research, you'll find repetitive injuries are what hinder runners. And the dark side of treadmilling is that the belt and surface never vary and exponentially trigger repetitive injuires. A running buddy of mine is a physical therapist at the local hospital and this is his theory since he sees way more treadmill runners come through his door than outdoor runners.
That being said, I use a treadmill on occasion when the weather is nasty but am very conscious about not piling up run after run after run on the mill. What outdoor running does is create a different environment for your feet and legs. Each stride has to vary a bit as your brain picks the place for the next footfall. Contrary to what you might think is best for foot problems, getting out there on trails and soft surfaces is going to develop those tendons and muscle groups that control your footfall. The treadmill does nothing in this regard.
So again, my recommend.. get outside. Find a gravel road shoulder, a grassy park, a woodchip trail or do laps around your yard if you have to, but mix it up with the treadmill being your backup and the minority of your mileage.
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