photo credit: M.V. Jantzen
I recently started back to running again. Living in southern California allows me the opportunity to run all year round. I used to run indoors 90% of the time when I belonged to a gym. I'm not downing treadmills at all because I'd like to have one myself. However, since canceling my gym membership, it has forced me to run outside and I've realized some advantages to running outdoors that you can't get on a treadmill.
1. Peaceful - Unlike a gym environment where you may be jammed between two other users on a treadmill, running outdoors can be quite peaceful. I generate a lot of cool ideas while I run and come up with solutions to small issues that were nagging me.
2. Easier to Interval Train - While you can perform HIIT on a treadmill, it's so much easier to do it running outdoors. What I like to do is jog for several minutes and then sprint for 30 seconds or so. I repeat this process for as long as I can.
3. No Time Limits - If you hop on a treadmill at the gym at peak hours, they usually have a time limit so that other members can get their turn. That can be annoying if you want to run for several miles without interruption. No worries about that running outdoors.
4. Say Hello to Your Neighbors - It's funny how we can live around our neighbors, yet never really speak to one another. Since I've been running, I see my neighbors outdoors and can finally speak to them, even if it's just a quick hello.
5. Give Your Dog Some Exercise - I don't have a dog but I see a lot of runners running with their dogs. If your dog likes to run, they make a great companion and you help to keep them in shape too.
6. Get the Most Out of Your Running Shoes - Most running shoes are built for outdoor running. If you've invested in some great shoes or received some as a gift, running outdoors will really prove what they can do for your feet. We got our parents the Vibram Five Fingers for Christmas and I can't wait to hear their opinion on how they feel for outdoor running.
What is your running preference? Indoors, outdoors, or both?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Same goes for riding outdoors.
- Wind in your face
- Distance Goals instead of Time Goals
- Challenge yourself to get the same distance in a better time.
- Improve coordination and concentration because you have to use your senses to manoeuvre a vehicle or your body.
- You can say you have a hobby. Riding or running in the gym does not count for a hobby.
Heaps of reasons…
Those are excellent, Wobble
You forgot one most important factor, FRESH AIR… Lots of OXYGEN…
Absolutely, Andy! Totally forgot that one.
I really enjoy the outdoors, when i first started going for jog/runs it was in the rainy season and I just LOVED it. I was warm but cool all at once it was a perfect balance, aaahh Vancouver in spring and early fall is to die for!
That sounds awesome, Eschelle!
I used to do both however now I am doing cardio on a treadmill only because its winter outside. However running outdoors has its benefits and I will underline the fact that you get fresh air (I was running in the morning in the park) and the one you mentioned at point 1 regarding fresh ideas that is very true and I found many solutions to some problems while running.
So if you haven’t tried running outdoors you just must do it.
Good luck!
Fresh ideas, creativity, problem solving, etc., are some of my favorite reasons for running outdoors.
I’ve always loved training outside. When I was in the marines I trained in arctic warfare up in Norway and served several tours there. Don’t let the cold weather put you off though, some of the best sessions I’ve ever had have been out there in the snow.