Poll: Run Outside or Inside?

[SunnyAZGrl]

This is more out of curiosity than anything else. I was a long distance runner in high school and I do 90% of my running outside and only run inside on a treadmill when the Arizona temperatures are too high.

From reading, it seems to me that most of you run inside on a treadmill. Am I right, or can I not read? =)

I'd like to know if you run outside or inside and why you prefer to do so.

[Eileen]

I can't bear running on a treadmill. Not fond of running at any time, but I'll run to get from A to B, especially if there is interesting scenery on the way, or I have a plane to catch.

[SamanthaYorkUK]

I didn't vote cos my answer is both
I do my longer distances outside (anything from about 3 to 10 miles at the mo, hoping to get to half marathing soon)
and i do fast short runs indoors 1 - 2 miles on the treadmill where i can control my pace

[SamanthaYorkUK]

not typically both on the same day, although I did that today, fastish 4miler followed by a gym session where I got on the treadmill at about 8mph but didn't have the stamina I would on a day where I only do indoor

[M3Rachel]

I do the elliptical for running, it reduces stress on joints and it just feels easier to me.

My orthopedic surgeon told me that women are 3 times more likely, if not more, than men to have joint issues and knee/hip pain as they age and concrete has no give when you run on it, which just further stresses joints... so elliptical was my safe option

edit - I also have some knee problems, extra fluid behind knee caps, had it drained constantly when I was an early teen... and I played basketball from age 4 to age 18 so... bound to have some knee issues

[Verti-gal]

I know too many people with bad knees from running. I either do elliptical indoors or biking outdoors. I save my knees for hiking to places I want to go see.

[Cyze]

I prefer running out doors when the weather permits it. It's been pretty cold around here recently so I've just been running on a treadmill until it warms up. I like running outside better because I feel it helps me clear my head better and the scenery helps to make the run interesting. It's also nice to be able to SEE where you are going to end. "Alright, just run to the end of that street" as opposed to "Alright, just .25 more"

[M3Rachel]

I know too many people with bad knees from running. I either do elliptical indoors or biking outdoors. I save my knees for hiking to places I want to go see.

I don't know if you do have bad knees... but you can ask an ortho what good, supportive shoes (that don't look TOO awful) to wear for hiking activities that will help with knee support

[dunkonu9]

Outside if at all possible. Even when I am in Africa and temps get up to the 130 range I will still run outside.

[onebigc]

Indoor track - Usually 1/10 mile with a tight turn radius that makes you lean at a high angle. This can cause knee pain or problems. Be sure to switch directions during a run or workouts. Tie your shoes well too otherwise you could sprain an ankle when your foot literally slips out.

Treadmill - You have to run faster or farther on the machine to get the same workout vs outside because the machine is moving your leg for you.

Personally, with the indoor track, I hated having to lean over so much to make the corner and was constantly avoiding running people over because the track had two lanes between the wall and rail so paired, slow, large or oblivious people would get in the way multiple times within one mile. I am 'one of those' people now.

[WickedMindstate]

Outside, preferably in the sand.

[Jessica29]

Since it is 20 degrees outside right now, I have to be inside to run... However, I cannot wait until the summer to get outside!!

[SunnyAZGrl]

I run outside on a wood chip running trail. I stay off of the concrete as much as possible, because I too have knee issues. Mine are caused by too-short hamstrings (believe me, they're not fixed by just stretching) and horseback riding, which strengthens the inner thighs much more than the outers.

[RandallH19891]

It's ****ing cold outside.

[BC02]

with my work schedule lately i have been running mostly inside but i prefer outside because i feel it is better to run outside because the races i do are held outside not inside

[KOoutcold]

outside cause if ur inside it seems longer cause ur not going anywhere and try swimming its alot better for the body

[Shellyshell69]

I voted inside only because it's been soooooo cold in Seattle this year.
The treadmill is OK but it can get boring QUICK. lol

I normally like to run outside. I like to do the local fun runs (5K and 10K) in Spring, Summer and Fall.

[SunnyAZGrl]

Wow! There are a lot more people who run outside than I thought! Even with TVs or right in front of a window, I can barely stand the treadmill.

But then again, being bored on the treadmill seems preferable to heat stroke in 120 degree weather. =P

[NOVA888]

I've got too much ADD to run outside. If I see a paper bag blowing across the road, I think it's a brown cat and I will stop to investigate, if I see wobbly/drifty looking tire marks, I end up following them to see where they might lead. I also stop to look at sunsets, or to see Santa Claus in a cloud formation. Stupid stuff like that.

So for me the treadmill is best, so at least I can stay focused and keep my heart rate consistent. :P