Should you run outdoors or indoors?

Pounding the pavement is powerful proof of a serious commitment to health. But it's also a drill that some find painful, trying and tedious, leaving them gasping for air and trotting away from the workout altogether.

It doesn't have to be this way. Dean Lurie, a certified kinesiologist in Toronto, says often people don't reach their optimal level of running because they're experiencing discomfort or boredom. Such problems may be a result of stress to the joints, overworking the body or the tedium of their training course - all symptoms that people are susceptible to as a result of the environment they're running in. Since the most important thing about running is getting into a routine that you will stick with, Lurie says it's crucial to find the running environment that suits you.

Outdoor running
"People who enjoy running outdoors find that there's a lot of variety because the scenery is changing and this distracts them and keeps them motivated to go and continue on their run," Lurie says.

Pros:
• The changing scenery is distracting and adventurous, helping the runner to complete her run.
• The terrain is variable. Hills, turns and different ground covers will increase the runner's intensity because it requires more speed and muscles to climb a hill or run on grass.
• Natural resistance from wind forces a runner to run harder and more intensively.
• The runner's range of motion is virtually limitless, allowing her muscles and joints to move around more, helping the body to burn more calories.
• Running on an uneven surface forces the body to naturally attempt to balance itself. This engages more muscles so more calories are burned.
• No membership is required so there is little added expense.
• Running is easily incorporated into a schedule because there are no hours of operation.

Ironically, what's good about running outdoors -- its variability -- is also its downfall.

Cons:
• Weather is unreliable so if it's raining or snowing a runner can't train.
• Running in extreme weather conditions, such as a very hot or cold day, can cause physical exhaustion and a decreased level of fitness.
• An uneven terrain can cause more shock impact to a runner's ankles and knees, increasing the likelihood of stress injuries, twists and sprains. (Note: Running on softer surfaces (such as grass, gravel or sand) reduces the stress on the knees and lower leg associated with running on concrete.)
• Darkness and traffic can impact personal safety, especially for women.
• Pollution levels and hazy days can affect breathing, especially for those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Such risks have forced many runners to move indoors.

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