Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I recently started running but only at the gym on the treadmill. I have heard that it is much harder to run outside. Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks girls!

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

It turned out to be the opposite for me. I can go a lot longer and keep a faster pace (even with an incline) outside than on the treadmill.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I feel running outside is easier for me (mentally anyway)
I feel like I watch the clock when I am on the tm and it takes forever but outside seems to pass by faster

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Thanks so much everyone. I am going to run outside this weekend since it is going to be beautiful out anyhow!

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I dont see a difference, I think they are both hard! However I get so bored on a treadmill and can only do like 3 miles maybe 4 or 5 max but usually save those long ones for outdoors.

I know people say that running outside in the winter is harder but I made it all through the cold months and adjusted just fine!

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I agree about running outside being easier mentally. physically harder too, since I don't like doing an incline onthe treadmill (I rarely go over 1) and I live on the top of a hill, so I have no choice but to run hills outside. But the only times I prefer the treadmill is heavy rain, bitter cold and high winds

I usually try to change the treadmill in some way every .25 mile (increase/decrease speed or incline). that and intervals really make treadmill work go faster.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I love running outdoors so much more than indoors. There is no comparison. You will love it!

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Thanks again everyone I will let you all know how i feel after running outside this weekend. LOL.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I prefer indoors because it's easier to track how far I went- Also, u don't have to worry about the temp/humidity.

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Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

i feel i benefit more from outdoor exercising because the "terrain" is constantly changing.

also, i can go far enough from my house that im forced to be out for longer to get home lol

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Just this afternoon I went to the gym to run on a treadmill because it was so windy out. I only lasted 18 minutes. I was so bored. So I hopped off and ran out the door and kept going - for 22 more minutes outside!

I've been running outside for a couple of months now, and forget it - treadmill runs are just torture. I think I'll save them for when I do tempo runs - 5 min. warmup, a really fast 10 minutes, and done.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

For me it is much easier to run outside then inside.

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i despise running on a treadmill and will do anything i can to avoid it! running outside is the best!

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I definitely like outside better. I like the change of scenery, and the time seems to pass more quickly. I usually only resort to the treadmill when it is raining or icy.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I think physically, outdoors in harder because of the elements. You have to deal with rain, wind, heat, humidity, be on alert for cars, dogs, people, etc. You have various inclines, changes in pavement, etc.

But I think the treadmill is MENTALLY harder. I also think that causes it to sometimes feel physically harder. The monotony can make you feel like you are doing worse because outside, you have your route and know when you've hit a mile. On the treadmill, time goes slower and when you look at the clock, it's a shock to see you haveonly gone a tenth of a mile!

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

I only use the treadmill for speed workouts because it's easier knowing exactly what speed you are at.

Running outside is more challenging. On a mill you have the belt to help propel you forward.

Message edited 4/30/2009 10:20:47 AM.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

It can be harder running outside, but it's easier too for me because I find it much more interesting. I get bored on the treadmill.

I don't run outside on really cold days as that triggers asthma, but otherwise, it's fine.

Re: Running indoors vs. Running outdoors

Running outside is a million times better than inside - even if its harder - its just so where its at!!!!