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Comment by groby_b | Hacker News Reader

So many points. The major ones for me, in order of importance:

1) Running on a treadmill is much friendlier to my joints than concrete or asphalt. For us city dwellers, that adds up over time.

2) I can quit the treadmill at any time. If you're outside on a 6 mile run and you have a muscle cramp up at mile 3, limping back 3 miles is the result. That's surprisingly little fun ;)

3) Can't speak for other people, but usually the treadmill is a warm-up, that's it.

4) It's cold and rainy outside. I'm soft and coddled and like being in a warm place :)

(OK, realistically, the first two are the ones that really matter, the rest you can get over)

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Sure. Treadmill or elliptical has its uses. They are safe and easier on the joints. I warm up sometimes on a treadmill for a few minutes. The author seems had specific goals, and treadmill is a precise tool, which allowed him to achieve and maintain his goals. I still think that walking or jogging can be an enjoyable activity it the right settings.

A dedicated running track is a good middle option between street running and a treadmill. Usually the surface is a little softer. If there's a public high school or community college in your area you can probably run on their track for free as long as it's not in use.

Tracks are great texture-wise, but they come with their own problems since you’re only turning left or right. Body movement will compensate for this and it can lead to injuries if you’re not careful. My PT told me he’s sees a lot of this at his practice.

Note the GP specifies walking on a treadmill.

Point 1 & 2 still apply, to a lesser extent, except I'd probably switch the order - being able to quit whenever you want is somewhat important. (And, always, point 4 :)

I'd also amend point 1 with "I don't like breathing in car exhaust". If you're in a big city "just do stuff outside" is not really as fun as it sounds.

Back when I was cycling regularly, I considered the fact that I couldn't quite when I wanted a major feature. Even considering the risk of blown tires, the ability to plan routes in advance that I knew I could do even though I would want to quit half way through was a major component of my ability to push my limits.

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