It may seem like running is the same, whether on a treadmill or track. But then why does each feel so different? Why do some people love one and hate the other? I seems that the movement of running on hard surfaces is significantly different than the movement of running on a treadmill. It turns out that running on a treadmill feels less difficult because it is.
Stride rate and stride length was studied by Elliot & Blanksby in Medicine and Science in Sports. The study recorded no significant differences in stride length or stride rate between running on a treadmill and outdoors when running between 3.3 and 4.8 meters per second. However, at higher speeds, stride length decreased, while stride rate, and the length of time the leg on the ground, increased. The authors didn't conclude further, but their findings regarding higher speeds suggest the answer we are looking for. When running outdoors, our legs are propelling us forward. However, when running on a treadmill, we are simply staying in place, trying to keep up with the moving belt. In so doing, our leg muscles are working mostly at staying upright and moving at the right speed. This certainly seems like less work than moving forward, regardless of the speed at which we are "moving." The calves and hamstrings seem particularly less burdened in this way by treadmill running.
By requiring less use of these muscles, running on treadmills expends less energy. If you're trying to lose weight or increase your cardiovascular health, easier may not be better. However, the reality for most people is that it the toughest part is starting. If what you're starting is easier, it's easier to start. After you start, it's easier to keep moving. The Journal of Sports Science (1996) reported that running outdoors on a hard surface is most closely approximated on a treadmill by adjusting the treadmill to a 1 incline.
Not to be forgotten is the air resistance provided by moving forward when running without a treadmill. While this may not seem like a significant force, it can add up to a significant difference over the length of a few miles, despite the lack of a wind-in-the-face feel. It also seems that, even when running on a flat surface like a track, the runner has to watch where he's going and make small adjustments along the way. These minor factors could all add up to more effort.
Conclusion: Get on your treadmill, get going, increase the incline, and just keep going!
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Robert Braun has been using, selling, and writing about treadmills for decades. For more information on treadmill workouts, see http://www.Treadmill-World.com
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