What keeps me going on the treadmill is the fact that the belt keeps moving whether I'm tired and want to quit or not. If I'm outside and get tired, I can more easily slow down or just stop running. Yes, I can just hit the stop button or turn the speed down on the treadmill..however, there's more incentive to keep going. Besides the fact that you actually have to stop the machine or keep running till the time runs to zero, there's also the stigma (imagined or real) associated with giving up in the middle of your run at the gym. You feel more shame as people could be watching you. When you are outside, nobody could possibly know how far, how fast or how long you ran for unless you are on a track (or if they are stalking you)...it's easier for you to cheat when you're outside.
That said, I also prefer running outside. It's more interesting and can provide a unique experience each time. Though, when it starts getting below freezing and the snow is coming down...I'm less inclined to run outside.
To the OP....when doing cardio work, what keeps me going is thinking about other things. Daydreaming, in a way. It makes the time go by much faster than if you keep glancing down at the timer/calories burned/distance/etc.. Some people even cover that display with a towel or something. For weightlifting, though, total concentration is a must. That is when you really need to pay attention to form and timing, etc.. The less distractions, the better.
That said, I also prefer running outside. It's more interesting and can provide a unique experience each time. Though, when it starts getting below freezing and the snow is coming down...I'm less inclined to run outside.
To the OP....when doing cardio work, what keeps me going is thinking about other things. Daydreaming, in a way. It makes the time go by much faster than if you keep glancing down at the timer/calories burned/distance/etc.. Some people even cover that display with a towel or something. For weightlifting, though, total concentration is a must. That is when you really need to pay attention to form and timing, etc.. The less distractions, the better.
