Question for runners?

Use the treadmill in the beginning but once you can run without stopping go outside on trails and streets. You will find it harder to run since you have the concrete on your foot and wind resistance. I found that the treadmill just got boring and was too repetitive so I go outside and run. Also once you're used to outdoor running, you will find that you will run faster on a treadmill.

Best for running and losing weight is outdoors, its more natural on the body

I do both. I think whichever way will allow you to get up and move your body is better. I am a mom as well and there are a lot of days that I wouldn't get my run in if it weren't for the treadmill.

I run short distances on the treadmill, because I seem to make myself go faster when I see the actual speed on the display in front of me. I run longer distances outside, just for some variety and hill work. I agree completely with Cyprian64; definitely keep at least a 1% incline.

Happy running!

Running short distance is very easy on a treadmill, but I think when your running longer, as I am for marathon training, it gets so boring I have to go outside. I live in minnesota and its FREEEEZING here, so I will also run a track if the weather drops negative as it did this evening. Hope this helps! :]

I "learned" to run on a treadmill last winter, and moved outside when the weather allowed. I prefer running outside and find it much, much easier. Both because it feel unnatural for me to run one exact consistent speed, and there's not enough air flow at the gym, even if I'm right under a ceiling fan. Outdoors, even if I'm running slow and there's no actual wind, I'm at least creating my own 5mph breeze! If I had one at home, I'd prop a huge pedestal fan right in front of me and I'd be golden.

But when Mother Nature is disagreeable, I'll run inside.

I use both. I run outside for longer runs, for warm ups before strength training I use my treadmill. I mostly run outside, though, as I cannot stand the treadmill.

What's best really depends on what your goals are. Are you strictly getting into this to lose weight or do you want to do races? If it's the later then you do need to be able to run outside as the surfaces are very different and cause different challenges.

I forgot to mention also that if your children are small enough you can always get a double jogging stroller. Or if you have one bigger one and one smaller one, go for a run w/ the smaller one in a jogger and the older one riding next to you on a bike.

I despise running on a treadmill, but I will use one on occasion when extreme conditions dictate.

It seems people are mixed as to which they feel is more difficult, they are definitnely different.

I do both, and I prefer running outside if only because it's more interesting (less boring, more likely to stick with it) and it also has the benefit (especially in winter) of allowing you to get some sunlight which so far has helped me ward off SAD. So if you're running on a treadmill at home, at least put it near a window to get sunlight (at the gym it's all artificial lighting in the cardio room).
The advantage of a treadmill is that it's easier to control your pace.
When running on a treadmill I always try to vary the incline a little bit to help "simulate" a real, outdoor run. I always leave it at at least 1%.

I do both, and I prefer running outside if only because it's more interesting (less boring, more likely to stick with it) and it also has the benefit (especially in winter) of allowing you to get some sunlight which so far has helped me ward off SAD. So if you're running on a treadmill at home, at least put it near a window to get sunlight (at the gym it's all artificial lighting in the cardio room).
The advantage of a treadmill is that it's easier to control your pace.
When running on a treadmill I always try to vary the incline a little bit to help "simulate" a real, outdoor run. I always leave it at at least 1%.

I should have just said this ! LOL
great post

I run outside where at all possible. I prefer the constantly moving scenery and changing weather (yup even the -20\-30 somethin run's that come with winter!)

Treadmills are very good in the sense that they get you moving and help many people squeeze in a workout. They do not however force you to control your pace as you are being driven along on a belt. Your pace is controlled by the machine. You are also on a reasonably level and soft surface which while easier on the joints also reduces the muscle response to terrain. I don't know anybody who has ever gotten lost when running on a treadmill.

Running outside requires you to work your own pace and adjust your footing according to the terrain. For instance, Winter has arrived here and I am now getting a fairly good workout in my hips and thighs because I need to control my footing more and adjust to the icy and harder terrain. I've always felt a need to "push off" more while running and feel for me it is a better workout. I love the feel of the wind, rain or snow on my face and the crisp air filling my lungs. My definition of an ideal run is thru a torrential downpour with me alone in my thoughts. I guess you could say I'm a little hardcore in my running.

I am a single mom of an 8 and 5 year old. I love having a treadmill but Imuch prefer to run outside. So I get outside whn I can but ue the treadmill whn I can't. I never have an excuse not to get my run on. The best of both worlds

I actually prefer the treadmill. Running outside every now and then is nice, but for me, it's harder on my shins and it often makes my allergies act up badly. Also, if I had to do it outside, I'd be more likely to make excuses not to. My treadmill is right there and weather is never an issue so there's just no excuse I can come up with to not do it.

I agree with everyone else about the incline. I ran my first 5k last month and I did it a lot faster than I ever ran 5k on the treadmill and apparently the reason for that was because I always kept my treadmill at an incline of at least 2.5. Had to or it would shut off on me.

I love running outside. It's my favorite and I've never used a treadmill until a few weeks ago. I'm wanting to really train through winter for a March race, and I want to PR it. So in order to get interval work in, I've jumped onto a treadmill. I'm actually enjoying it more than I thought I would - especially since it was only 14 this AM.

Both! Depends on time of day, weather, etc.