15-03-2012, 09:13 PM
I regularly run on the treadmill and also outside. I use my polar RS800CX when doing both. As much as the treadmill feels a lot tougher to complete paced runs on, my heartrate and performance says differently. The polar gives a running index everytime you train, and I had to start putting a 1% incline on my treadmill runs as the running index was incredibly high, basically showing that the treadmill wasn't taking as much out of my body as running outside.
I put this down to the fact the treadmill propels your legs, and they just have to keep up with the pace (pretty much the same as being pulled along), whilst when running outside, you have to physically accelerate and keep your pace constant.
I know this isn't scientific, but the heartrate is a very good indicator of perceived effort, and I see a lower heartrate for the same speeds when on the treadmill.
Regards.
Dean.
I put this down to the fact the treadmill propels your legs, and they just have to keep up with the pace (pretty much the same as being pulled along), whilst when running outside, you have to physically accelerate and keep your pace constant.
I know this isn't scientific, but the heartrate is a very good indicator of perceived effort, and I see a lower heartrate for the same speeds when on the treadmill.
Regards.
Dean.