Running in place: does it affect oxygen intake?

[Andrew Chandler]

Hey question for everyone: I've noticed, I tend to tire faster on a dreadmill. My question... does being on a dreadmill affect oxygen intake? I mean... when I'm running, I'm constantly covering distance and am not in the same place period. When I'm on a dreadmill, I'm running in place. So the CO2 that I exhale doesn't really go anywhere. See where I'm going with this?

[runninwild]

Not sure about that, but running on a 'dreadmill' is a LOT more boring than outside. Ugh......

[Andrew Chandler]

couldn't agree with you more... I mean, when I'm outside, it feels like the miles fly by. When I'm indoors, it feels like I take forever for a mile.

[Philip]

Running on a treadmill is unrealistic as the ground is always moving underneath you, therefore if you jump vertically up whilst running at 5 minute/KM you'll still move forward. Try doing that outside and you'll stay in the same place.This effect will change your running style, most likely without you knowing it. Compounded by the fact that is is boring, running is meant to take place outside, the visual and aural experience is removed by doing it inside and you therefore have more time to think about being tired.

[Andrew Chandler]

I use the term, "method air" since I am a snowboarder as well. Basically, you really don't have to run, but you can literally jump, catch air and keep going. I'm a runner, not a "bounder". I have a friend of mine, he's continually beating me speed and endurance-wise on the treadmill (he does a 9.6mph mile and I only do a 8.3), but when it comes to being out on the road, i continually defeat him.

[Adam]

About that CO2 thing...You only need a fraction of the air you breathe in, so when you breathe out, you're still breathing out a ton of oxygen. That's why CPR is effective vice pushing CO2 into someone's lungs. Get what I'm saying? You're thinking that running in place would make you breathe in your used air over and over again, right?

I have noticed the same thing about running faster. I think it's because you're at a steady pace and have no choice but to move your legs faster. I don't think it's exactly great training, but I try to run fast 5ks on treadmills just to condition myself to staying at a certain speed.

[Heather!]

i haven't use done in like 2 years, but as i recall... i don't feel too steady on treadmills... like if i turn my head it feels like i'll trip, even if i'm just walking (pretty cool, huh?) so i agree but i think for me it's 'cause i waste energy trying to keep my balance

[Andrew Chandler]

heather, i think it feels like you're on a machine... ok, like the mechanical bull. I mean, when you're roadrunning, you are running on terra firma. If take into account that the earth does rotate about 1,000 miles an hour... but we're doing the same thing too. When you are on a treadmill, you become more balance concious because you are on a machine. There's really no margin for error. And I also assume you are a "sightseer" runner who enjoys looking around, etc. Si?