The REAL reasons why I prefer running outdoors

I don’t mean to brag but I’ve been getting in some seriously good runs lately.  Since temperatures in London have reached over 30°C, I looked online for tips on running outdoors in the heat.  Some pointers which I came across include:

  1. Invest in light & loose-fitting clothing
  2. Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer
  3. Run with a hydration belt
  4. Choose a route which involves rivers, lakes, and ponds as it’s usually cooler by the water

Another surefire way to beat the heat is to run early morning or late evening.  When I stepped outside on Monday evening, it was still way too hot. I took it as a sign to indulge in some retail therapy and satisfy my frozen yogurt craving, even if the latter meant running the risk of suffering a stitch during my run.  You learn something new everyday and on Monday, I learned that fro yo makes excellent workout fuel ;).

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Chocolate & Natural Swirl – SNOG

Running on a treadmill is another solution for summer running but I just can’t do it anymore, nor do I want to.  Honestly I don’t know how I once ran 16 kilometers at the gym– kudos to me 2 years ago ;).  Aside from the obvious reasons (i.e. better scenery & more entertaining), I’ll tell you the real reasons why I prefer outdoor running to the dreadmill treadmill:

  • You can people-watch without things getting awkward: you’re gone by the time the other person realizes
  • It’s an easy way to top up your tan
  • Provides you with Instagram content 

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  • You can plan your route so that it ends right outside a supermarket…or Starbucks
  • It’s a breath of fresh air…literally
  • Efficient way to sightsee

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  • When others screech “You ran in this HEAT”, you can answer a smug “yes”…and feel more bad ass than ever before

How do you stay cool when working out outdoors? 

34 thoughts on “The REAL reasons why I prefer running outdoors”

  1. well with Big Ben as an Insta contentwhy run inside?
    Sadly I now fear running outside as I have gotten wayyyy to comfy with my dreadmill.(cars-cabs etc scare me)
    I still dont think i could do a 16K….wow to that.

    That yogurt lookes yum.

  2. I 100% agree with EVERYTHING!! I get a mini-depression only by the thought of a treadmill. I sometimes to sprints for 20 minutes with LOUD music and that’s the only thing I can accept in connection with a treadmill 🙂
    And I LOVE running outdoors. Especially early in the morning, this is the time I mostly run. I ran in so many different places in the world and every run was a special experience. I love nature, the fresh air, the variety in trails, that you can stop and do strengths exercises in between anywhere – and it just feel SO good when returning back home.
    We should run together one day!!

  3. I actually used to prefer the treadmill because I found it easier to run on it, but now it’s the opposite: my stamina is so much better outside! I haven’t been running outside lately though because it is just way too hot – even in the early mornings!

    1. I’m totally with you- we’re one of the few who find it easier to run outdoors…my pace is also noticeably faster outdoors! 🙂

  4. The only way to stay cool during an outdoor workout in Miami is to wake up SUPER early! The mornings are absolutely beautiful – there’s even a breeze if you run by the water! AND not as many people are out so it’s pretty peaceful too!

  5. I’ve been avoiding the outdoors as much as possible lately – humidity is supposed to hit 45 degrees today! Way to much to even be outside, let alone exercise in it…I go for 15-20 minutes of intervals on the treadmill. I can’t do distance on it anymore though! Any more than 20 minutes and I kind of want to cry.

  6. Hahaha love that you said it provides you with instagram content! I haven’t been running much lately…the humidity here is crazy. A run that ends at a supermarket or Starbucks sounds like a fabulous run to me!

  7. Running outside is AMAZING! I hateeee running inside these days. I do struggle in the heat though, so I gotta get out there early, or if I am only running a 3miler I can go in the heat, but want to die when it’s done! Ending a run at the store is the best…

  8. That’s awesome you’re getting in some good runs! Not bragging at all;)
    I love your reasons for running outdoors and while I’m not a runner I totally agree with them all for walking.

  9. Although I prefer cycling, I would rather run outdoors than on a treadmill. I think I’ve only on that dreadmill 3x ever since I started my fitness regime years ago.

  10. I love running outdoors for the planning the route reason also. I have been making a habit of running to my gym just in time for Zumba classes. I don’t need to warm up by the time I’m there :D.

      1. I recommend Zumba :D. It’s not just Latin styles of dancing. Many instructors infuse some Bollywood in their classes too. I bet the classes in Mumbai might have even more Bollywood influence :D!

  11. Now I seriously can’t wait for our fro-yo date today!!

    I used to purposely run during the peak of the heat in Perth. Only, our average summer temperature is 40-45C, so *slightly* hotter than this. What a nut. I did it because I thought if I could run through that, I could run through anything. I used to run with a bottle of water and fill it up along the way. I wouldn’t even drink the water, just pour it over my head, and I’d be dry about 60 seconds later.

    1. Can’t wait to catch up later today…be excited: salted caramel is on the menu ;)! I should try your water-pouring trick during my next run!

  12. Omg this is such an amazing post! LOVE it!
    I’m definitely going to have to try out the froyo as workout fuel 😉
    I also love running outdoors! It’s great to feel that you actually went someplace, and the scenery is always so much more beautiful than staring at a white wall haha. And I love the idea of ending at a starbucks – perfect place to refuel! 😛 I’ve thought about running to the grocery store, but then I wasn’t sure I would have enough energy to walk back with my groceries! I’ll have to have my mom or someone meet me there… hehe.

    1. Haha glad you enjoyed it, Alex :)! I take a single note so that I don’t end up going overboard and getting stuck carrying so many grocery bags!

  13. I’m so bad.. i don’t workout outdoors… it’s 97 degrees in NY. OMG.. it’s crazy! I can’t even breathe. Yeah, i do indoors.. but it’s smart to run by water, it’s always cooler. Love the big ben photo. 🙂

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