Physics - Work done calculation is stupid

It is really silly and inconsistent. The calculation is
Work done (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m)
This is why it's stupid:
If you are running on a treadmill with a running force of 10N you are effectively moving 0 m. So 10 x 0 = 0J
If you are running on flat ground with a running force of 10N and yuo run 50 m then the work done will be 10 x 50 = 500J

Theoretically, the work done should be the same but this just shows that the equation is flawed. I realise that it means the distance in m from the place that you start running from and this brings me onto another point.

The definition of speed is "The rate at which someone or something moves or operates or is able to move or operate"
When in actual fact speed is only the distance you travel in relation to another point in any given amount of time.

This annoys me. Oxford please fix your dictionary.

If you are running on flat ground you're moving through space at millions of metres per second. Therefore work done is millions of joules? No.

Your treadmill example is wrong. You ARE moving relative to the material on the treadmill surface. That's the distance travelled. It's all relative.

Anyway, work done is a scientific concept that is not 'inconsistent', it's just fact.

But the surface of the treadmill will return back to it's original position and you are the same distance as you were before you started running from that position. And why is your first point wrong? That's what I was trying to get at, that distance and speed is only in relation to something.

You are moving relative to the thing you're doing work on (the treadmill surface).

are you actually doing much work against a treadmill belt (gym type) though? having used treadmills and run on the ground I'd say treadmills are a lot easier, partly I think cos you're bobbing up and down on the spot without building up any momentum so any corrective balancing movements you need to make are quite cheap in terms of energy.

if you removed the motor, held onto a fixed bar and pushed the belt around against some resistance with leg power that'd be applying force over the distance moved by the belt... but that's not how gym treadmills work, the belt is powered by a motor and just sets the pace you move your legs at afaik.