Trail or treadmill?

I started running in January and only recently started enjoying it. I run on the treadmill because I find I have a hard time keeping my pace when the treadmill isn't doing it for me, so I can't run as far and I get side stitches. On the treadmill, I feel good all the good running vibes and I love it. My boyfriend however is convinced that because I don't run outside, it's not as good. Is this true? I tell him that it makes me feel good and that's why I do it but he's steadfast in his belief that treadmill running is not real running. I do eventually want to move outdoors, but not until I'm in better shape. So it trail running really extraordinarily better than treadmill running?

Eh. Outside running is much more exciting, interesting, and fun than inside running on the TM that is for sure. Dont wait until you are in better shape, go outside and run now.

Running outside will have a few added benefits in your legs I believe. The TM is a softer landing and propels your legs but outside you dont have that. You have to push off when you run and that helps leg muscles. Trail running is fun, and a bit more treacherous. It also may increase your foot and leg muscles as it has to adapt to the uneven terrain.
I wouldnt to straight from TM to the trails, but would go on the road/track/sidewalks first to get a good base and then to the trails (I am assuming they are dirt/stone trails?)

Running on a treadmill is easier - as you said in your OP, the treadmill sets your pace FOR you. I'd opt for a trail every time. I've always disliked the treadmill - but I'm not big on anything telling me what to do... Including the pushy treadmill, telling me how fast to run and whether or not I can slow my pace. LOL! Plus, I'm lazy. If I want to slow down or speed up, I don't want to have to push a button to do so.

When I started running, I also profited from the pace given by the tread mill and the speed intervalls at the beginning. Nothing wrong with the tread. I just found it boring after a short time.

Running outside is so much more for me than just running. I live in the country and have fields and forest to run through or rivers to run along. Nature trails, gravel roads and streets. The different terrain trains more muscles than the tread. I hear the birds, see and feel the seasons intensly. Eat wild berries, drink from fountains. I have hills to run up. This trains my leg muscles, my heart and my lungs, while I'm cleansing my thoughts and my soul with the fresh air. Can you tell....I love running outside ;-)

Try to run a little slower outside. Slower than you think is good and then go from there. I was 1-2kph slower outside than on the tread at the beginning. I started out only running about 6.5kph in flat terrain outside. A year later I'm up to 10-11kph on the same route, although I never did an explicit speed or intervall training. And I've gone from 4km runs to 10km in the same 'unplanned' manner. I just ran comfortably. My comfort speed and distance just increased with time.

I have no real ambitions, not really interested in running any races. I just run for the sake of running and enjoying nature.

I only run outside and have never run on a treadmill. So, I always vote for the benefits of outside running - one of which is training yourself to listen to your body and set a pace. There are HRM's or other watches that will help you set a pace and track it, if you want to run outside and stay on a certain pace. I don't use any, but some runners wear the type that gives them "pace alerts" when they don't keep up with a desired pace.

I only run outside and have never run on a treadmill. So, I always vote for the benefits of outside running - one of which is training yourself to listen to your body and set a pace. There are HRM's or other watches that will help you set a pace and track it, if you want to run outside and stay on a certain pace. I don't use any, but some runners wear the type that gives them "pace alerts" when they don't keep up with a desired pace.

I only use pace alerts in races or at my PT test. Great way to stay where you need to be.

Other than that.....I use my GPS watch to guage my progress in running. I may glacne down at times to see the current and avg pace but dont really fret what it says at all. I go at a pace that I feel good at THAT DAY. It changes from day to day and in the end you def see progress. Not every run, not every day or week, but you see a trend of getting a better pace.
Plus running outside you get a better sense of accomplishment. You can vision how far you had ran across the town or city or from trail to trail.

I'd say if you enjoy running on a treadmill, keep at it.

5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons. The common thing is that there are different inclinations, elevations, just different elements to work with besides in the same gym and same treadmill routine.

However, if training is going to work for you better on a treadmill than compared to running on the trail- train there.

Try mixing up your treadmill workouts. Do a "hill" day and add inclines.
Do an "interval" day and go for speed and rest... speed. and rest.

The best thing you can do with yourself is stick with a fitness routine you like.

I tend to run on the treadmill 2-3 times a week and hit the trails 2 times a week. If you enjoy running on the treadmill and you are getting the results you want, then keep doing it. Is trail running more challenging? Absolutely, but most treadmills allow you to adjust pace, incline, etc. A treadmill can't mimic the lateral movements and corrections you have to make with trail running, but it is exercise nonetheless.

I think you'll find that many runners really hate treadmills. Most of the people in my trail running group hate the treadmill and when conditions outside are poor, they wind up just missing a run entirely. So if you like the treadmill, you're less likely to miss a workout.

Further, when I run on the treadmill, I find that I can relax and concentrate on my effort a bit more because I'm not worried about cars zipping by me or whether or not I'm going to blow out my ankle on the next tree root.

Do what you enjoy and what you'll be consistent at sticking with.

I would recommend adding variety to keep it interesting -- mix up the road, trails, and treadmill. This will help you stick with it. I personally love trail running b/c of the scenery, quiet, hills, parkours, and in this time of the year you get shade from the heat .

Plus, I despise running on a treadmill and would rather not be next to the farting old guy at the gym.