Running

JAllen32

In my opinion:

Running outside is harder physically. I always imagine it is like I'm pushing the earth away from me as I go. So its physically tougher and I can't run very fast. But mentally I can go forever.

Running inside is harder mentally. I get to a point where I just want to hop off of the treadmill. Its easier physically because I just have to make my legs move and I can run faster. But I want to stop after like 20mins.

KyleB65

From my little experience, I would say that both present challenges. However, I would vote that running outside presents more challenges than running inside (track or machine).

Part of running outside is uneven terrain, hills, vehicles, bikers, dogs, rain and bugs. All of which I will happily deal with because running out side also has sunshine & fresh air!

ixap

mentally, outside is easier for me. I get into the zone and can go for hours.

physically, treadmill is slightly less effort, objectively. I can do a mile several seconds faster, consistently, on tm vs. outside.
by the same token, treadmill running is less effective in training for an outdoor race (that is to say, any of my races as I don't do treadmill competitions, lol), so I resort to it only if I can't leave the house, or if it's dark or stormy.

nichojanes

In my experience running outside is harder.

I used to run on a treadmill and could easily go for miles. As soon as I started outdoors I realised that the treadmill seems to lie. I think the treadmill, due to the movement of the track, actually assists a little with the motion. Also when running in the great outdoors you have no control of incline. you will never get a flat running surface like you have on a treadmill (unless running round a running track of course which I have not tried yet).

I will never choose to run on a treadmill now and prefer to bear the elements.

chubtofit

I HATE running on the treadmill. HATE it. So, for me, running inside is way way way harder. I seriously want to give up at like 3 miles. Outdoors, I'm up to 10 and climbing towards my half. I'll take an outdoor run anyday!

Completely agree with you. Nothing more boring than running for 30mins and not go anywhere, plus for me as I have a GPS watch, running on a treadmill would be a complete waste of time.

clumsygermangurl

It is definitely harder for me to run outside. I started out running on the treadmill, then after a few months switched to outdoor running and noticed a huge difference. But, now I only like running outside! I would highly recommend it. I get bored on the treadmill. Not only do you get to see all different things outside, you get fresh air and you feel like you're getting a better workout!

Also when running outside you have to work to maintain your own pace whereas the treadmill does it for you = less effort.

Very true, I just keep running the same path.. Doing the C25K, the only reason why I asked was because yesterday was my first run in the rain!

Nich0le

I started on the treadmill and decided to go outside after the stupid thing finally broke :sad:

Outside was harder at first because the mill keeps your pace but now I find the treadmill harder just because it completely bores me to death, I only use the mill because it's too damn hot to go outside in Phoenix from mid june through early Sept.

I like the outside because hard day or easy day I can choose a different route each time to keep me motivated

LoosingMyLast15

i just started running outside (which is crazy to say since in 2 weeks i will be running my third 5k) and i think i like outside better. however, because my office has a gym i workout almost daily and run 4 days on a treadmill. sunday's i run outside - and i enjoy it more.

tri10806

I would only run indoors if that were my only option. I love the trails, running through the woods, up hills, down hills, jumping over roots, rocks, and running through streams. To me that is the most natural form of running. I run on the road when I have to to get my miles in... but really try to avoid sidewalks. They hurt!

clumsygermangurl

I would only run indoors if that were my only option. I love the trails, running through the woods, up hills, down hills, jumping over roots, rocks, and running through streams. To me that is the most natural form of running. I run on the road when I have to to get my miles in... but really try to avoid sidewalks. They hurt!

What do you mean it hurts?

CarsonRuns

I would only run indoors if that were my only option. I love the trails, running through the woods, up hills, down hills, jumping over roots, rocks, and running through streams. To me that is the most natural form of running. I run on the road when I have to to get my miles in... but really try to avoid sidewalks. They hurt!

What do you mean it hurts?

Cement is like 100 time harder than blacktop. That may be a slight exaggeration...but I digress. Running on concrete, which more firm than pavement, adds to the stress of every step. At approximately 180 steps per minute, or over 10,000 steps in an hour run, that extra pounding adds up and increases the amount of muscle soreness that you have to endure.

clumsygermangurl

I would only run indoors if that were my only option. I love the trails, running through the woods, up hills, down hills, jumping over roots, rocks, and running through streams. To me that is the most natural form of running. I run on the road when I have to to get my miles in... but really try to avoid sidewalks. They hurt!

What do you mean it hurts?

Cement is like 100 time harder than blacktop. That may be a slight exaggeration...but I digress. Running on concrete, which more firm than pavement, adds to the stress of every step. At approximately 180 steps per minute, or over 10,000 steps in an hour run, that extra pounding adds up and increases the amount of muscle soreness that you have to endure.

So I should be running on the blacktop then?

CarsonRuns

I would only run indoors if that were my only option. I love the trails, running through the woods, up hills, down hills, jumping over roots, rocks, and running through streams. To me that is the most natural form of running. I run on the road when I have to to get my miles in... but really try to avoid sidewalks. They hurt!

What do you mean it hurts?

Cement is like 100 time harder than blacktop. That may be a slight exaggeration...but I digress. Running on concrete, which more firm than pavement, adds to the stress of every step. At approximately 180 steps per minute, or over 10,000 steps in an hour run, that extra pounding adds up and increases the amount of muscle soreness that you have to endure.

So I should be running on the blacktop then?

The softer the surface the better. Grassy trails are good. Dirt trails. Crush and run gravel paths. Blacktop is better the concrete, but you can find more forgiving surfaces too.

scottb81

If you can run on the blacktop without getting run over by a car it is better. It just depends on the road and the time of day.

rachelmorgan77

For me, running outside is easier, or at least more motivating. I just keep running, and once you get so far out, you have no choice but to run back. When I'm on the treadmill it's way too easy to cop out and end early.

clumsygermangurl

If you can run on the blacktop without getting run over by a car it is better. It just depends on the road and the time of day.

I always run at night, just so I don't embarrass myself lol! But thanks for the advice I am def going to try that on Tuesday, hopefully is not as painful!

clumsygermangurl

So I should be running on the blacktop then?

The softer the surface the better. Grassy trails are good. Dirt trails. Crush and run gravel paths. Blacktop is better the concrete, but you can find more forgiving surfaces too.

Well there is a gravel path by my house, but I won't run there at night time. To scary!

skinnygurl02

Outside but love it!!