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Is it better to run indoors or outdoors in the winter?

Article written by Niki Dobbyn

We all debate the factors between running indoors or outdoors in the winter to train for spring, summer and fall triathlons. There are just so many factors to consider. Below are some of the pros and cons of each and hopefully, they will help you decide which option is best for you.

Running Outdoors - Pros & Cons
The best place to train for a run is in the environment in which the race will be held. Since there are not many triathlons or running races that are held on treadmills, the streets and trails are THE BEST place to train. You can breathe in clean air while readying your body for rolling hills, steep hills, flat roads and winding roads as well as prepare you for road surfaces like gravel, sand, cement and dirt.

Although running outside is the best for your training purposes, there are many safety concerns to address before you head out there. If you live in a place that gets a fair amount of snow in the winter, you have to deal with dressing for the inclement weather, running on icy sidewalks, trails or streets and traffic.

Finding running gear to protect you from the elements is very easy. Your local sports store will carry all of the items you need and be able to give you recommendations on brand names. It's a great idea to wear a hat, gloves and layers of clothes that wick away the sweat from your body on the inside and a windbreaker on the outside to keep the wind out. You may also want to wear sunglasses if the sun is bright because squinting may impair your vision and jeopardize your safety.

Once you have your gear, you have to consider the best days to run outdoors. Running outdoors after a snowstorm is one of the most difficult things to do. Your best bet is to leave the headphones at home and run defensively. If the sidewalks are not shoveled or they are icy, you must run in the street. This brings up huge safety issues because the cars on the road are dealing with snow and ice as well and not specifically looking for runners. There may also be snow banks that prevent the traffic from seeing you on the road. Running on the side of the road where you face the on coming traffic is a huge benefit because you can get out of the way if the traffic doesn't see you. As you watch the traffic, however, you will also have to deal with sneaky icy patches that may make you slide or fall and cause serious injury. The most important thing is to stay safe!

Running Indoors - Pros & Cons
Treadmills are second best to training outdoors in the winter. They are in a place that provides a warm safe atmosphere where you can get a decent range of workouts without worrying about street injuries or inclement weather. Most treadmills allow you to pick between a variety of courses with varying speeds and inclines that do a great job in simulating the outdoors. Bathrooms are close by, the TV may be on and you have a nice spot for your bottle of water.

Unfortunately, treadmills can never simulate a road workout perfectly. They may allow varying courses, speeds and inclines, but they can never prepare you for road surfaces like gravel, sand, cement and dirt.

If the treadmill is located in your home, you have no monthly fees or people waiting to use the machine, but you do have to maintain the machine and that may be costly. To top it off, it may lead to lost training days. If you are in your home, you may also have to deal with family issues, ringing phones and delivery people at your door. You also have to be self-motivated throughout the whole workout because there are no other people working out beside you for inspiration.

Using a gym treadmill requires a costly fee, travel and you may have to wait in line or deal with a time limit, but the expense of membership provides maintained and reliable machines as well as professional staff who can possibly be helpful with your training. You also have lots of athletically minded people around you to inspire your workout.

So, Indoors or Outdoors?
Basically, the choice as to where you run is yours. It all depends on your finances or how severe the elements are in your area of the world and how well you can tolerate them on a consistent basis. The most important thing is that you continue running somewhere!

Comments From you:

It has become apparent that it's better to run on a treadmill in extreme weather like Alaska. I moved here to a city in 1993 to present from a rural community and I used to get sick from running on side of the road in the winter. What it was that the fumes from automobile stays on the side of the road when it's cold and running in it will make you get a flu-like sickness. Today I don't get sick from this fumes where I use treadmill inside.
- SSG Peter, Fairbanks, Alaska