Personally I find intervals / speedwork reps on treadmills easier than when run outside, say in a park, or track. Pace is easier to monitor, and conditions are not variable.
Do they have the same positive impact? Or are they a "cheat" training mode? Hmmm!
Whats' your say?
Comments
Yes they are easier, and you dont work as hard.
1% incline on the treadmill and they are more or less the same.
If you notice they're easier - then maybe your treadmill is reading too low ? Try it faster next time ? Simples.
I like the treadmill as it is easier for me to monitor progress and more repeatable.
and its more boring. . .
doesnt the fact that the 'ground' is effectively moving under you assist leg turnover?
I don't find it that boring. Intervals go quickly - steady runs are a bit worse - but there's always plenty of odd people to look at at the gym. Far more than being outside.
Guess its a bit like marmite then?
haha!
or unless you're this guy
(from our local parkrun)
If your doing a VO2 interval session, you're in the right heart rate zone, and running with good form, then I would be happy enough doing them in a hamster wheel. If its too easy then increase speed or incline of a treadmill.
I'm not fussed one way or the other about marmite.
They are easier because you're not getting any air resistance. So either stick it on 1% or add a bit of speed - I add 0.5 kph, which is roughly equivalent. But as also-ran/DF3 say, if you are in the right effort/HR zone, that is what actually counts.
Certainly not cheating.