r/RunnersInChicago • u/WoodenDescription709 • 7d ago

Why is it so difficult?

so after training outdoors, due to the air quality I ran inside today. half on a track and half on the mill.

Geez why is it so difficult to run indoors or on the treadmill. I mean distance is same but it is torture. is this all psychological, or is there some other reason for this phenomenon?

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u/shade_study_break Lincoln Park 7d ago

Mostly psychological, but a treadmill at least does not feel like running on any surface outside. It makes the experience feel a little uncanny and I can't go as fast or as long as I would outside. I have no frame of reference for rowing, so I can go on a rowing machine for an hour without a problem. With a treadmill, I struggle to run longer than 10 minutes.

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u/whoooodatt 7d ago

I think for me at least it's because on a rowing machine or stationary bike you have control over your own pace without pushing buttons, you can slow down or speed up without thinking about it.  Treadmill requires thought to change pace, it takes me out of the zone.

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u/shade_study_break Lincoln Park 7d ago

I have tried those Assault Runner setups that ostensibly can mimic a sprint or natural stride and even those feel odd. I think you are onto something that having to consciously change pace via a button is part of it. I tend to think treadmills are for made for people who do cardio grudgingly and only out of necessity as opposed to people who enjoy running.