I have a new found respect for people who run outdoors!

Pro tip: Keep your head up. As cliched as it sounds, you feel better, you can actually breathe better, and you're not as sore. And of course, there's pride- you deserve to hold your head high!

Just like with the stationary bike, running on a treadmill gets boring very very fast. Running or biking outdoors allows many variables to take part in your workout: wind, sun, rain, hills etc.

I completely agree! I used to only run on the treadmill and even then rarely... but now I run outside (using the free C25K app on the iphone) and it is so much harder! Lots of fun though.

It really is different! I agree complete.

Good for you for challenging yourself. I have been running since January and every run is completely different when I run outdoors. When all the elements change (i.e. hot weather, cold weather, rain, wind, etc) then it really keeps you and your body challenged.

keep up the good work!

Must have been awesome...Damn, I miss Philly!

Running outside is great! I like the different terrains. That makes it fun and challenging. I don't last as long on a treadmill, but if I want to check my speed, I'll hop on one. I keep my gym membership for bad weather days.

I was just wondering if I was just weird or if everyone gets a higher calorie burn when running outside. Mine was probably close to 1/3 higher running outside as compared to the treadmill...and that was even on a flat, highschool track.

I ran outdoors for the first time today. I have a treadmill but hit the pavement today. I had been scared to run in public. It is so different outdoors. I am not running too far yet, so it was c25k combo, but I averaged 4.41 mph which is a faster average than on my treadmill.

The only disadvantage to running outdoors...dodging roadkill!!!:embarassed: :sick: :grumble: :noway:

It's funny you say roadkill, never really thought about dodging roadkill until today I saw a dead red fox in the breakdown lane today, and by red fox, I am not talking the comedian.

I decided to change up my workout by going jogging outside yesterday on Kelly Drive in Philadelphia. It is a completely different animal when compared to running on the treadmill. My entire body is sore. With that being said I enjoyed it and I am going to try again this week.

Oh my gosh! Good for you. I am originally from Philly and drove kelly drive to work every day. The inclines are crazy. Driving kelly drive is crazy, running it had to be hard. Good for you! I'm missing Philly.

Running outside makes me feel alive. The sounds the sights...it is amazing. I love the challenge of it. Indoor running makes me feel trapped.

I love running outside because it works your body harder, since your body is absorbing the shock of propelling yourself forward instead of a treadmill absorbing the shock. It's better for overall bone health too! Unlike the treadmill, I like having a destination to run towards instead of being on for a set amount of time, feeling bored and confined.

One problem I have with running outside is the amount of obnoxious people who honk their horns and yell at you.. : P I could do without that..

But having the time to think through many different aspects of my life, problems, goals, and whatnot is nice!

I started my training on a treadmill....mostly because I was too self concious to run outside.

But now, it's always outdoors. I love it. I use the Nike+ app for my phone so I know how far I've gone and when to turn around.

I don't think I could ever go back to a treadmill. I'm researching cold-weather running gear now so I'll be prepared this winter! :bigsmile:

This is the exact opposite of why I preferred to try outside instead of on a treadmill. I feel more self conscious running on the spot in the gym with all the fit people then running outside around the field/lakes on the uni campus.