With the weather getting much, much nicer around these parts lately, I'm planning on hitting the bike path near my house and doing some runs there. However, after running for the past 3 months on a treadmill, I'm worried that there's going to be a HUGE difference running outside compared to running inside. Aside from the fact that I'm sure that impact on the the path isn't nearly as soft as the TM, is there really that much of a difference between the road and the treadmill?

I'm not an expert at anything but here are my thoughts. I did the switchover pretty recently. I was very dependent on the TM over the winter because of the weather. I also have a huge fear of stray dogs and didn't know too much about my neighborhood since I usually drive everywhere. Having started the program on the TM, I was very leery of moving outside mid-program. I was used to the TM, it was how I felt comfortable. It was a stretch moving outside. I actually cried a few times. Like, "I should be able to run a mile without stopping! I can do it on the treadmill, is it that different?!" Yep, it's that different! It took about 2 weeks for me to find a stride on the road. They were not an easy two weeks. I got frustrated a lot. One day, I remember coming home and actually flopping down on my carpet and crying. I was just so frustrated that I couldn't do the 'same' distance that I had on the TM. But I kept at it. Having done it now for about a month or so (outside), I have finally reached TM boredom. The scenery, the slight elevation changes, the ability to 'see' a mile go by rather than 'feel' it (or watch it tick by on the screen), setting your own pace... all of it adds up to a more enjoyable run in my book. I think my favorite part is the wind resistance. I can't stand running (in place) with stagnant air. I need that self-created breeze. Even if it means risking seeing a dog (our neighborhood seems to be pretty safe). So I'd definitely say go ahead and switch but just be prepared for a period of transition. If my experience is any indication, you'll lose some time/distance in the changeover. It's so worth it though! And if you plan on doing races, it's probably a good idea to start running on the road as soon as you can.

Running on dirt does take a little more work than running on paved surfaces. But don't let this be the end of your outside running adventures! There's more, much more!

I gave the path another shot this morning, and fared much better. Still doing Week 3 workouts out there and trying to get into the rhythm of things, but altogether not a bad run. Plus, I saw a rabbit and a fox