After writing about reasons why you should run outside this winter, it is only fair to consider the opposite viewpoint and discuss reasons why you should run inside during the cold, winter months.

If you don’t run indoors in the winter here are three reasons to consider doing so.

1 – You will be safer indoors and protected from the elements.

The winter months can be downright nasty.  Some find it adventurous to run outside in the winter elements, but many don’t find it very appealing.  The slippery roads and fewer daylight hours can make running outside somewhat dangerous, so running inside is safer and more comfortable.

2 – You will be faster.

A treadmill is like having a personal coach that will keep you on pace to accomplish your goals.  Interval training on a good treadmill is a very effective way to improve your speed when most other people are getting slower over the winter.  How cool will it be to show up to your first spring 5K of the year faster than you were the year before?

3 – You will never be bored.

Running inside allows you to change things up quite often to keep a good variety in your training.  Try interval repeats one day, hill workout the other, and add in some cross training on the bike and with weights.  Already being inside will give you easy access to a variety of equipment to keep things interesting, whether you are at the gym or in your basement.

If you are interested in running inside this winter, consider investing in a high quality running treadmill such as the Boston Marathon, Spirit, or Precor Treadmills, and check out Complete Runner’s Guide to Buying a Treadmill for more tips.