Treadmill Distance Not Correct?

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cewickbe

48 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Oct 29, 2007 8:57 PM

Treadmill Distance Not Correct?

I recently bought a new treadmill in the summer, prior to starting the C25K program. I finished the program in August (i think?) and since then I have been running outside.

well, I ran on the TM 3x last week while I was testing out some new shoes and I noticed that even while my pace felt really good (and I did have it on incline), my mile splits totally sucked! plus, I am used to running about 4miles outside now, but I couldnt even get to 3.1 on the TM without dying!

bottom line - i really think the odometer on the TM is wrong! Is this possible for such a new TM? Any ideas on how I could test out my theory? Ive since started running back outside now that I know the shoes are ok for me, and "magically" my times, pace and distance are all back on track from what they previously were. I'm even doing a little better......help!

tpr55

126 posts since
Aug 17, 2007

1. Oct 29, 2007 9:03 PM

in response to: cewickbe

I use a tmill quite a bit, and have posted on this subject a number of times. I don't think it's that the treadmill is calibrated wrong, I rather think that treadmills do not translate distance and speed accurately as compared to road running. I gave up on trying to come up with a conversion; now I just log my tmill sessions as easy 9:00 pace when it shows 11:xx on the tmill display. By the way, I always run at 1% incline to help offset some of the inherent difference.

Guest

2. Oct 29, 2007 9:30 PM

in response to: cewickbe

That would explain some issues I came up against last week...

i stopped my 3-mile runs on treadmills to a .1mile indoor track. In the 3rd lane it takes 10.25 laps to go 1 mile (so 31=3miles) I ran at what I thought was my usual pace on the treadmill (I know it was the same bpm) but did the distance in 6 minutes faster....so much faster that I did a couple extra laps because I figured I must have lost count (the tallys after the run turned out to be correct...39 laps (3.8 miles) in the time I do 3.11 miles on a treadmill. Confused the **** outta me.

Go figure.

SeeFritzRun

64 posts since
Aug 24, 2007

3. Oct 29, 2007 11:02 PM

in response to: cewickbe

Honestly, I think its probably correct. Ive found often that its all in my head. Theres no wind blowing on me, I overheat, things get a little harder. Plus you HAVE to run that pace that you set, you cant gradually slow down or speed up like we do outside depending on how we feel.

I think the technology is sound. Its seems too simple to mess that up.

TedAndresen

233 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Oct 30, 2007 1:03 AM

in response to: cewickbe

It?s very simple for someone to check your treadmill?s speed while you are running on it.

1. Use a steel tape measure to measure the total BeltLength all the way around in inches. It should be between 95 and 110 inches, approximately.

2. Put a big chalk mark across the belt.

3. While you are running on the machine have someone measure the time it takes for the chalk mark on the belt to make 35 revolutions. (Make sure they start the stopwatch with the count of ?zero? and stop it at the count of ?35?.)

4. The belt speed in miles/hour is

2* x BeltLength / TimeFor35Revs

Ted

cewickbe

48 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Oct 30, 2007 1:53 AM

in response to: cewickbe

The chalk thing sounds alittle complicated. Thanks for the suggestion though.

At least by the replies so far I know I'm not crazy....

GellaBella

8 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

6. Oct 30, 2007 2:59 PM

in response to: cewickbe

I've experienced the same thing. When I run outside on a flat track I can run 3 mi at approximately 9:30 min/mi and feel good. When I run on my treadmill at a speed that I feel is comperable to the speed I run on the track, it tells me I'm running at about 11:XX min/mi. No way. And if I try to bump up the speed on the treadmill so I am running a 9:30 min mile, I die. it is soooo much faster than what I run outside. I'm actually happy to hear other people have experienced this, I thought I was nuts. People are always saying how much easier it is to run on a treadmill than outside and I experience the opposite!

cewickbe

48 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. Oct 30, 2007 7:29 PM

in response to: cewickbe

Ok good so the verdict is in - Treadmills suck!! Get your butts outside and run!!

furseal

56 posts since
Jan 13, 2005

8. Oct 30, 2007 7:53 PM

in response to: cewickbe

I don't think treadmills totally suck...they are what they are and they have a purpose.

I don't rely too much on how fast it says I'm going, how far I've gone, or how many calories I've burned. When I use one, I run at a comfy pace for a set amount of time, and if I feel like I got a good workout in when I'm done, then I'm satisfied.

There are times when the TM is just more convenient or even necessary (when it's unsafe or just way too uncomfortable to run outside). Some people use them because they stay at home with kids and can get fit while still being present at home at the same time. Whatever works.

But yeah, they can totally be calibrated wrong (and often are), so just get a good workout in and call it good.

crnadan

11 posts since
Jun 28, 2006

9. Oct 30, 2007 8:55 PM

in response to: cewickbe

Depends on who you talk to. Most people tell me they run faster outside than they do on the treadmill. I'm the opposite. I can run 0.5 mph faster on a treadmill than on on the trail. It's nice because the pace doesn't change so once I get comfortable I can run forever on the treadmill.

Birdog

116 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

10. Oct 31, 2007 10:43 AM

in response to: cewickbe

I will be receiving a garmin 305 next week. One of the big reasons I was looking at was the foot pod.

I've found a few people who use foot pod training tools to give them correct speed/distance on a treadmill. Their opinions are that many treadmills are off. I can't disagree. Will find out for myself.

------------------
Ron
When being chased by a bear...You don't have to outrun the bear. You just have to outrun the other guy.

LPH53

75 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. Oct 31, 2007 12:02 PM

in response to: cewickbe

First off, Threadmills don't suck as long as they serve the purpose of getting exercise and some cardio workout.

I do however agree that I don't find the distance/speed quite the same. I feel that my stride is different on the threadmill than outside and I ran faster and don't tire as fast outside as I do on the threadmill.

Guest

12. Oct 31, 2007 9:25 PM

in response to: cewickbe

I find that running on the treadmill is slightly easier than running outside, mostly due to the perfectly smooth surface and the fact that the machine helps you maintain an even pace. I also feel like the treadmill gives me the perception of running faster, probably because I'm not actually moving anywhere. Running outside at the same pace feels much slower. That said, I don't notice that much difference in my times when running outside vs. on the treadmill. I've done most of my running on the treadmill this year, and MAF and corresponding 5k time is dropping.

Oct 29, 2007 8:57 PM

Treadmill Distance Not Correct?

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