Running on a treadmill feels easier physically because the ground is being pulled underneath your feet and there is no wind resistance or natural incline (unless incline is increased manually). Running outdoors demands more from your body because you are propelling your body forward stride for stride. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you are overweight, injury prone, or have knee or joint pain and want to decrease the impact. You can better simulate outdoor running by setting your treadmill at 1% incline. I feel that is mentally tough to run on the treadmill due to the monotony and it is easier to distract yourself when running outside with the scenery and new terrain.
Top 5 Reasons To Run Outside
1. Enjoy scenery/weather
2. Time Flies
3. Better Prepare Body For A Race
4. More Challenging/Increases Motivation
5. Expends More Calories Than The Treadmill
I used to love running outside, rain or shine. Up hills and down. Through woods or on pavement. I love it. Now that I am heavier I have to work my way down to that by using a treadmill. I will occasionally do sprints outside, but thats not like running for 30 minutes to an hour outside nonstop.
I find that right now using a treadmill is a good option because it keeps me going even if I want to stop, so I can last longer at a specific speed then I would if I were outside running.
Yes, that is definately a good strategy. You could also try jogging outside for as long as you can then walk for a few minutes and then try jogging again. Either way is a good option.