Re: [Phys-l] treadmill vs open road

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@saintmarys.edu>]

WIND will be a big factor--running into a stiff breeze will seem much more 
difficult than running with the wind will seem less difficult, so this will 
effect even a 'track' runner.  Unless on a track, outdoor running will 
include some grades.   Weather in general--temperature in particular 
(assuming one doesn't run in the rain or snow)--will play a role as well.

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN
rtarara@saintmarys.edu
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Free Physics Software
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brian Blais" <bblais@bryant.edu>
To: "Forum for Physics Educators" <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 8:31 AM
Subject: [Phys-l] treadmill vs open road


> Hello,
>
> I just started running for exercise, and was chatting with some long-
> time runners about it, and they had some interesting comments about
> treadmills.  Most of them felt that running on a treadmill was very
> different than normal running, and noted that they felt that they
> could run faster on a treadmill.  There was one who said it was
> basically the same amount of exercise, but felt that he ran slower on
> a treadmill.  Assuming that we have a completely flat road and a flat
> treadmill, I can think of no difference in the physics between the
> two systems which would give rise to the different experiences.  My
> first thoughts were that the difference in experience comes from the
> slight irregularities in the open road, which cause balance muscles
> to work, ones that wouldn't be needed on a treadmill, but none-the-
> less contribute to the workout.
>
> Any thoughts or additional physics that you think comes into play here?