Why I Will Always Pick Running Outside Over the Gym

Running has always been a source of great stress relief for me. When I was on the track team in high school, I ran almost every day. I can’t say that I’ve been as good at being active in college, but I definitely try (mostly). Coming into college, I got access to a gym for the first time and the first couple of weeks I took advantage of spin classes, hip hop fuego, and the dreaded treadmill. I come from the north, so trying to work out in the southern heat was a sure struggle. I readily welcomed the cool air conditioned gym, but I quickly found that the treadmill wasn’t for me.

I couldn’t take the monotony of running in place for miles and miles, especially when I was used to running outside. It wasn’t until I realized how much I hated the treadmill that I realized how much I loved running outside. I quickly found people to run with and places to explore around campus. My personal favorite is Lullwater Park. Honestly, I have had plenty of adventures there throughout my first year at college and that is something that I never could have had at the gym.

I have regularly encountered a family of deer, had nuts thrown at my by squirrels, interrupted a geese mating session, and even almost trampled a snake. There’s even the time that my friend and I were scared by attacking geese and she ended up spraining her ankle. My friends jokingly call me snow white, but these adventures add excitement into my daily life and take me away from the stresses of college life, not to mention the immense enjoyment I get from my picturesque surroundings and the benefits of being outside (mainly working on my tanning).

I can definitely say that you will cash me outside and not at the gym, how bout that.