Treadmills

    Have you ever looked outside on a super cold, windy, icy winter day? Or maybe you just don't feel like walking or running outside? Mentioning this to a friend, they may recommend the treadmill. It's safe, convenient (providing you either own one or have easy access to one), and often comes with a nice entertainment system somewhere near, also known as the television.
    If you're a runner, it's highly likely you've tried running on a treadmill before, and given that, you probably have come to the same conclusion as I have. Running on the treadmill is not the same as running outside.
     I've found that my shin splints worsen when I run on treadmills, which happens often in winter and early spring, before track season has started. The surface that you are running on is not the same as the outdoors. I'm not sure which is harder to run on, the treadmill itself or concrete. But I feel like the treadmill is, even though concrete doesn't exactly give way when you step on it.
     Also, running on the treadmill is much more difficult for me than it is running outside. It's possible that the air quality of inside a building is not as great as actual fresh air. Chances the treadmill that you're using is in an enclosed space, such as a basement or gym, which makes me think of a dome trapping all the humid air in. I can't help but think I'm breathing the same air I was just a second ago, instead of fresh, new air you can get from outside.
    Say you were to run six miles on the treadmill. I feel like this is more physically taxing than running outside. It's possible this is the case just because the treadmill forces you to keep your pace constant, otherwise you'll get shot into whatever is behind you! This could also be the case because the treadmill is often indoors, which may make it harder to breathe, therefore not providing your body and muscles with the correct amount of oxygen.
    Also, time passes much slower. Sure you can watch something on the television, or even play on your phone if you're feeling up to it, but you cannot give a three dimensional experience while being on the same spot in the same room for an hour.
     I highly recommend avoiding the treadmill. It has done more harm than good for myself, and nothing beats the classic outside run.