I run almost exclusively outside, I love it. I love the variety of things I see (from bats to bunnies to manatees to dolphins); taking different routes; seeing other people running, biking, rollerblading, etc. I like the wind, the weather, everything. I feel like I'm on an adventure, not "exercising".

Last night I ran 4.25 miles after the sun went done, and I enjoyed getting to see people's lives through their front windows as the houses were all lit up and I'm in the dark.

About the only time I run on a treadmill is when I'm house sitting for my parents and then I'll usually put in a DVD and watch that while running. Usually I think it is fun for the first two times and then after that I'm bored being inside.

I also prefer outside for pretty much the same reasons as Josephine. I feel like treadmill is really boring and it's way too easy to stop.

But, I've been thinking about ways to get my strength/endurance up and I plan on adding some treadmill intervals into my reg. mostly outside schedule. It will be hard to find the time but that's my goal.

I run almost exclusively outside as well. It is my time to think and treadmills distract me from thinking because they are soooo boring, if that makes any sense at all! Plus I just love to be outside as much as possible.

Kitty, I do intervals outside. Sometimes I will sprint to a sign or a corner or just some landmark and then return to my regular pace, and then repeat a sprint to another landmark. Yesterday I ran some hill intervals. I just run as fast as I can up a hill, and jog down and repeat. It was a pretty good workout. It may not be classic HIIT since I do not pay attention to time spent sprinting vs regular pace, but it works for me!

One place I haven't run outside yet is at an actual track. I want to do that at some point because I think it would be fun for a change, but the only track in my area I'm close to is a high school track and they seem to have the gates locked whenever I'm out running. I need to look around for other options, I really like to mix it up.

Midwife -- it's funny you mention your outside intervals. I always think of that in my head as point-to-point running and I do that all the time. I think it is so mentally fun and it sure makes a run go by faster!

This morning I did 6.22 miles and took it pretty easy. Usually I don't have any serious leg soreness from running, but apparently I pushed it harder than I thought on Friday night and I'm still sore this morning.

Right now I run exclusively on a treadmill for a few reasons.

* I like being able to run when it's convenient for me. In my case, that's the middle of the night, or in the wee early morning hours before it gets light out. These aren't times I would want to be out on the dark, isolated trails or on streets. (Right now I work nights, so I run at odd hours compared to most people).

* I love the fact that I'm in an air-conditioned room with fans on full blast! It's been scorching here recently because we are having a heat wave, and it's still 80-90 degrees in the middle of the night! Ugh.

* I can wear my earphones and zone out listening to music and not worry about being attacked by some psycho or rapist.

* I can watch movies or TV to distract myself.

* When I run outside I don't carry a water bottle. So when I run on my treadmill I can gulp down some icy water whenever I feel the need.

* I can more easily see small measures of progress, such as a little bump up in my speed.

* And mostly, it's because at home I can wear a little pair of compression shorts and a jog-bra. No one is around to see my jelly belly or my thunder thighs as I chug along. I'd never dare go out wearing that in public! I'd have to throw on a pair of loose shorts over the compression shorts, and a shirt or tank top to cover up with.



But, having said all that, I do eventually want to get back to running outside again. I enjoyed it when I did it years ago for all the same reasons already mentioned in other posts.

I hear ya chicks, re: intervals outside. Point taken.-- def.
But I do love to watch the countdown factor on the treadmill.

And I'm noticing I really need to up my mileage if I want to make my goal of 500miles by Xmas.

New plan-- running both inside and outside. I won't be bogged down by absolutes ....

Really interesting stuff ladies, thanks for your replies.
Treadmill
I like the smooth surface and feeling stable
Knowing my exact pace
Place for my water bottle
Having the timer in front of my face
Weeknights gym is open till 10 pm, but it's dark @ 9, so saftey reasons
Outside
Pounding the pavement
Seeing the trees and landmarks, knowing how far I have left - visually
My BF when he comes on the bike
Gym is closed on Sunday nights, so here I go!

C25K W2D1... here I go...

"Brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes."

I'll let you know how it goes.

Hi everyone! Thought I would drop into the Exercise forum to see if there was a running thread - and here I am

I am just a beginner (starting the C25K today AGAIN - going to stick with it this time though ) and excited about running! Right now I just use the treadmill at the gym b/c I use the weights there afterwards, but I would love to run outside soon too.

My main reason for wanting to run is that you don't need any equipment, it's something you can do pretty much anywhere. I will be studying abroad in Spain for a year starting in September, and running through the city/along the beach is an easy way to get exercise without spending euros every month on a gym membership! Plus it is a great way to explore a new area

I have some weight to lose as well, and have heard running is great for burning calories. So sign me up!

Welcome Kitegirl! How exciting to be looking forward to running in Spain come September, w00t! Great motivation!

Evening everyone! Just curious. Does it make sense for me to start program?? I am 295 lbs. No knee issues. Should I try or wait until I lose a few more?

I wouldn't wait, I'd give it a shot! BUT if it feels at ALL uncomfortable on your knees or joints, I'd go with fast fitness walking for while and then keep trying running. Fitness walking is just as awesome an exercise as running and easier on your joints, etc!

So welcome! Let us know how it goes!

Beginners and those who can remember beginning... of C25K
did you feel like you were PUSHING yourself very hard?
I don't want to say I am pushing to the MAX, but I really feel challenged and that I AM PUSHING pretty hard, should I feel like that, or should I feel like 'la de dah - look at me I'm jogging' ???

JuliaHood- My first days running the C25K I really worked my hip - it was soooo sore... but I kept going. To be honest, I was crying it hurt so bad (once I got home - not actually during the walk/run), but I have always dreamed about being able to run, so here I am only in week 2, but my hip is doing a lot better, still sore - but not injured, just working different muscles.

I would say totally try it. Can you walk for 20 minutes straight, if so than FOR SURE go for it. I will be here to go through the aches and pains with.

Uh... what?

Vix -- let me go into big sister mode and scold you: you shouldn't be crying in pain while starting your running program!!! That makes my heart hurt for you! You need to see the big picture -- running can be a part of your life FOREVER, so there is no need to rush the beginning stages which is when many people go too fast, too hard, too long, too often and injure themselves and then give it up completely. You need to treat your body gently as you transition into running, your body will thank you, and you will have many, many years of injury free running to look forward to!

Some soreness is normal when you take up new exercise, but real PAIN and EXTREME soreness mean GO SLOWER in your new program. Do less, take more rest between run days, etc. You will still get there!

I admire your determination, chickie, just make sure to temper it with a little moderation!

On the subject of "pushing yourself". If you mean aerobically -- I always used the talk/sing test to know when I'm in the right zone. Most miles of my running are done in this "zone" (minus speed work): If I can't carry on a conversation while running, I'm going too fast. If I can easily sing a tune, I'm going to slow. Does that help?