running on the road vs the treadmill...

is it different? how and why? which one is more difficult?

There is a running group I would like to join but I am just hesistant. The treadmill keeps me going as I see the numbers on the machine and I know how far I am..

I think it is personal choice.  I also like the numbers on the machines to keep me going.  you could get a heart rate monitor that has calories burned on it if that would help motivate.  I think running outside is more difficult mentally and physically, but I could also imagine that if you force yourself to do it and get used to it a little, it could be very relaxing.  Don't be afraid to challenge yourself.  maybe if you run the same route on a reg. basis, you could start using physical markers to motivate yourself.  Also being part of a group is a great way to stay motivated.  I think I want to register for a 5k sometime this summer for the same reason... it bothers me that I am so intimidated by running outdoors and I feel like I have to force myself to get over it.  Good luck!

I used to run on the treadmill, then switched to outdoors, and now do both given the weather. It is more difficult outdoors, given a couple of factors:

Wind/Weather can always make it more difficult - too cold or too hot

Most importantly, the treadmill is always giving you that "push"...where as running outdoors involves you pushing off yourself. Also, you have hills outdoors and it is harder to run on pavement then on the treadmill.

I strongly recommend the outdoors. Once you have a route down, you'll be fine. I know that when I hit a certain point it gets easier, etc.

I think it is mostly personal preference. I am training for 3 marathons this spring/summer and I cannot imagine not running outside (when I have to run on a treadmill at a hotel it seems like it takes FOREVER, I don't like seeing my mileage and time all the time). The only time I didn't run outside this winter was when the wind chill was -20. I have routes that I run, so I know how much further I have to go and I also have an mp3 player that is a lifesaver. Also, changing up your distances and routes helps break up the routine.

I have plotted most of my routes at: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ and found this is a great spot to find new routes too.

Cheers.

I find running outside so much more enjoyable - the time passes so much quicker.  I also find that I run farther and faster.  Do plan your route and know approximate distances.  I know myy 1 mile, 2 mile, half-way point, etc.  That way I can track my progress and I know if I am running fast or slow.  Nothing beats fresh air.  You also don't have to concentrate on a machine.  I do my best problem-solving while running outside!

One last point - if you listen to music, don't turn it up too loud.  If you are running in an urban area where cars (bikers, walkers, kids, or dogs) come across your path, your safety will depend on hearing them.  Also, don't run in isolated areas, carry i.d., and don't run in the dark.

I think that running outside is more challenging physically, but running on the treadmill is more challenging mentally.   I was training for a marathon, and I could run for miles outside, but the minute I had to train indoors because of the weather, I was lucky to finish 6 miles.  I am so bored indoors, and I hate the treadmill!  I currently run 3 miles a day on the treadmill, until it stops snowing!!  I have a trail I run on the beach that is 10 miles, so as soon as the weather is better, I will be inspired and ready to run outside! 

I just started running about a year ago and I always ran outside until December and then I had to run the treadmill.  I am used to the treadmill but really love running outside.  Here's the funny thing, it takes a while for me to adjust from running on the treadmill to running outside.  Takes longer to get in my zone.  I will tell you I ran my first 5K in September and that's a push that I needed.  Try doing a 5K, the neighborhood ones are fun and it gives you a goal to achieve.

Running outside is definetly hard lol !! i fell while i was running outside !! scraped my knees really badly !! damn that was embarrasing... since then stopped running outside... treadmil is good for me lol..

I've been running outside for 25 yrs.  Now have to walk, but favorite place is a path in the woods, along a river, deer, red fox, chipmunks, black mink, all entertain me.  Warm breezes, the smell of green, or wildflowers cascading over the edge of the path, swarms of butterflys, songbirds all give me a certain sense of freedom and one with nature that I don't get on a treadmill.  It sort of restores me.  Altho treadmills are a necessity in bad weather, or getting exercise when its dark outside.

It's something you should at least try, so you can compare for yourself.

I used to track distance, but now track length of time.

I really appreciate the inputs. I tried to JOG outside today and thanks so much, juliagfunk, as I remebered what  you said about challenging myself. It is really harder than the treadmill but I managed to get 35 minutes jogging today and it was great. usually, I run on the treadmill for longer than that but I just couldn't do more than 35 m.

I used to use the treadmill inside and couldn't get motivated to do more than 45 minutes, now I go outside, and I love it, I walk the park for 2 1/2 hours. . .and if I had done the treadmill that would have never happened. Usually in our gym it is so over crowded, if go to the park, I can go with my daughter and we talk while  doing our path. Yes it is more strenuous but, that burns more calories for me . . .as everyone said it is a personal choice. I end up burning more calories outside. . .