treadmill vs ground

Question
Hi. I took up jogging recently. At first I'd jog on a regular paved outdoor trail through town. When winter came I tried a relative's treadmill. The treadmill seemed much harder, I got tired quicker and my legs hurt within minutes. I had no incline on it at all, normal resistance so I can't blame either of those. Any idea why jogging on the ground is so much different and easier than the machine?

Answer
Hi Dave
On a treadmill your always making minor adjustments for pace and stride and you just never get a real comfortable rhythm  which effects the contraction and expanding of tendons,ligaments and collagen.There is also a bit of a balance issue with slight corrections bumping into the the front bar from time to time.Outside you just get into a nice relaxed rhythm and your stride starts to expand with no confined perimeters and you just are in a more relaxed state and zone.I hope this gives you the perspective and makes sense to you.


All the best

John