Does anyone else here HATE running on a treadmill? Does anyone feel my pain?
Compared to running outside across the earth, running on the treadmill is like a completely different discipline. Perhaps it is due to the style of my stride or gait, but I find the treadmill a terrible experience.
The most glaring difference is speed and perceived exertion. When I am outside, 6:30 miles float by with the greatest of ease. If I put the treadmill to 6:30 pace, it feels like I have to sprint to keep up with the belt and avoid being flung into the wall.
It also hurts my legs much more. I get a 'wincing' sensation in my legs with every footstrike, like the instability caused by the moving belt and the vertical compression of the belt has to be dealt with differently than the relatively unyielding ground outside.
I tried the treadmill again last night out of desperation (had to be in the house, taking care of our toddler) and it was such a wholly unpleasant experience that I realized I would rather not run at all than run on the tmill.
Does anyone else share my treadmill hatred? Any insight to make it better?