Are treadmills really as effective as running outdoors?

To answer your questions, treadmill running and road running are not quite the same. Running on the treadmill is easier than running outdoors, for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the treadmill belt assists leg turnover, making it easier to run faster. So most runners find that their pace on the treadmill doesn’t correlate to their road pace. Also, some of the soft tissue conditioning or “hardening” that occurs with road running does not occur with treadmill running because the plate or base on the treadmill "gives" more than road surfaces. And, obviously there are no weather conditions to deal with when running indoors.

 

However, the treadmill can be a great training tool. Because treadmill running is easier, use it for speed work. Use the treadmill to help you run faster by speeding up the pace for short intervals and then slow it down for recovery intervals. This is a very convenient way to get in some speed work or tempo runs in a controlled setting.
 

 

Run outdoors two or three days a week, with one day designated as your long run day and one or two other runs of shorter distance. This will provide the mileage, the conditioning, and the weather acclimatization you need for your half-marathon. Include the treadmill one or two days a week for speed work or tempo runs. This gives you three to five days of running. Continue with your cross-training one or two days a week, focusing on muscular strength and endurance.  Add some stretching exercises to promote muscular flexibility and you have a very well-rounded training plan. 

Best running shoes

Why Minimalist?

 

For many runners today, less is definitely more -- at least when it comes to the cushioning in their shoes. Millions have embraced the idea of minimal shoes, which weigh less and encourage a mid foot or forefoot strike rather than a heel-heavy landing. Shoe designers have taken note, engineering a new generation of footwear that lowers the height, or drop, between the heel and forefoot to naturally encourage this running style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But beware: The closer your foot is to the ground,

the more careful you need to be about form. Land

primarily on your mid- or forefoot, with feet under

 hips and body leaning forward slightly. Increase

your mileage slowly to avoid injury, and don't be

surprised if your feet ache a bit at first; it takes a while

to build up strength in their muscles

Best Times of the Day to Exercise...

Could when you work out help you drop pounds, or even boost your overall health?

 

1. Exercise in the Late AfternoonIf you're looking for the sweet spot for exercise, science says to lace up your sneaks between 4 and 5 P.M., when your body temp is at its highest. Studies have shown that boosts your workout—your muscles are more flexible, your strength is at its peak and your perceived exertion is at a low.

2. Exercise in the Morning

Good news for early risers: It has been proven that morning exercisers stick with their routines. Plus,

3. Exercise with a Head Cold

Obviously, you shouldn’t hit the gym if you’re feeling like death. But when plagued only by above-the-neck symptoms—such as a sore throat or runny nose—moderate exercise might help. The mood-boosting chemicals released during exercise make symptoms feel less severe. To avoid prolonging your cold, work out at about half your typical intensity, and consider at-home and outdoor exercises so you don’t spread germs to other gym-goers.