Treadmill Training vs. Running Outside
Whether you’re about to take part in your first race or will complete yet another marathon, knowing where to train can be just as critical as finding the right pair of shoes. Should you stay indoors and train on a treadmill, or should you brave the elements and take your run outside? For runners who are deciding where to run, the following venues may help you discover just the right way to hit your stride.
Treadmill Training
For some runners, training on a treadmill may be a crucial part of their workout schedule. Training on a treadmill means you can work out in a climate-controlled area — which is great considering Chicago can sometimes see some extreme temperatures, as well as rain and snow. Treadmill running also helps you control your training conditions just by pressing a few buttons, as you can increase your speed as well as the incline of your treadmill for a more intense workout. Treadmill training does have some drawbacks; for example, you may lose the spontaneity of going for a run, especially if your only access to a treadmill is in a gym.
If you’d like to take to a treadmill for training, then take a look at these venues in Chicago.
Galter LifeCenter
5157 N. Francisco Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-9936
galterlifecenter.org
Get in shape for your next race when you run on a treadmill at Galter LifeCenter. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, the organization also offers a number of other cardio machines so you can switch up your workout. Pools and group fitness classes are also available for runners who want a break from the routine.
Henry Crown Field House
The University of Chicago
5550 S. University Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 753-4949
athletics.uchicago.edu
If you live in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, then consider working out at the Henry Crown Field House at The University of Chicago. The field house boasts a number of cardio machines, as well as an indoor track and weight training equipment. Details regarding membership are available on the website.
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Outdoor Running
Hitting the running path near your home just might be your cup of tea if you prefer to run outdoors. Running outdoors also allows you to be acclimated to adverse running conditions. If you can run in the middle of a Chicago winter, then you will likely feel prepared for anything. A run in the great outdoors means you can see the change of seasons in a new way. An outdoor run means you can squeeze in a run when it’s convenient to you, too. However, running outdoors exclusively can put your workout on hold in extreme weather. Safety when running outdoors is also a factor. Don’t forget that you need to dodge traffic while navigating your way on city streets.
Keep these trails in mind the next time you want to run outdoors without zigzagging through your neighborhood.
Arlington Heights Park District
www.ahpd.org
Get outside and plan part of your run around Lake Arlington, or hit the trails to explore the numerous parks in the communities of Arlington Heights Park District. The northwest suburb offers an assortment of paths and trails on both flat terrain and with an incline if you’d like more of a challenge.
Chicago Park District
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Run and jog to your heart’s content when you use the paths available through the Chicago Park District. Runners can zip along Lake Michigan with the Lakefront Trail and explore the city’s many neighborhoods by running in parks that include Humboldt Park, Kennedy Park, and Myrtle Grove Park. Several parks also have outdoor tracks.
Des Plaines Trail System
(800) 870-3666
fpdcc.com
The Forest Preserves of Cook County offer a number of extensive trails for runners, and Des Plaines Trail System is no exception. The unpaved trail is just over 27 miles long with plenty of access points along the way. The trail also continues into Lake County, if you’d like to add more than a few more miles to your run. Just make sure to check out the preserve’s trail rules before you start your run.
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Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.