Cardio: 2.5 miles (outdoors)
Strength Training: 20 modified push-ups, tricep work with stability ball (3 sets, 15 reps)
When I recently took up running, a majority of my running happens on a treadmill. After awhile, I questioned whether a treadmill provided the same type of workout as running outdoors. Today I ran outdoors for the first time since running seriously and it was intense! I ran with my stepdad and I figure we ran at least 2.5 miles. It was around 4:30 pm and took us a half-hour at a slow pace (I'm very much a beginner.)
What I noticed quickly about the outdoors was dealing with the elements. The sun was beaming down on us and it was draining me with each step. When I ran 2 - 3 miles a day in the military, it always happened in the early mornings around 5 am. It was nice and cool (sometimes very cold) so the elements didn't bother me like running in the late afternoon. My stepdad told me that I was bouncing too much and showed me how to run easier so that I wouldn't tire out. He told me to run as if I'm sneaking up on someone. Kind of hard to picture but it works. Making that change helped a lot.
There were a few small hills and I also had to deal with breathing in pollen and such from the plants. I think running on a treadmill will be a piece of cake after running outdoors a few times. Below are my reasons I like treadmill running and outdoor running:
Treadmill Running
- No worry about inclement weather
- Lighter impact on feet and knees
- Better measurement of miles and minutes
- You can vary the incline to simulate hills
- No worry about cars, dogs, or rude people
Running Outdoors
- Better views
- Great for training because of the elements, concrete, gravel, etc.
- Fresh air
- Hills & slopes intensify workout
So the verdict is this: it's completely up to you. I like both indoor and outdoor running. For me, it is more convenient at the moment to run on treadmills, but when I get the opportunity to run outdoors, I run at the chance (pardon the pun.) 
[tags]running outdoors, treadmill running, treadmill vs running outdoors[/tags]
