And if running was easy, it would not be worth doing. Sitting on the couch is easy. Watching television is easy. Eating junk food is easy. Running is not. It makes me gear up mentally. I push to run farther, faster. And, about once per week, I feel like I am running while pulling a sled.
But 2 times per week, I feel like I can run much farther than I had planned. Those runs are the product of a lot of previous runs that were +not +easy
I couldn't have said it better myself! It's very reassuring to know others feel the same exact way!
I also agree that once you get more comfortable with running outside you'll begin to love it. Something about being outside when the sun is rising........................it's just beautiful. Also the headband is a great idea. My husband thought I was exagerating when I said that people were laughing at my ear muffs until I told him what our neighbor said. Then he laughed too and suggested the headband!
I should add that my ear muffs were quite beautiful though, with a black velvet headband and black fur
But 2 times per week, I feel like I can run much farther than I had planned. Those runs are the product of a lot of previous runs that were +not +easy
I couldn't have said it better myself! It's very reassuring to know others feel the same exact way!
I also agree that once you get more comfortable with running outside you'll begin to love it. Something about being outside when the sun is rising........................it's just beautiful. Also the headband is a great idea. My husband thought I was exagerating when I said that people were laughing at my ear muffs until I told him what our neighbor said. Then he laughed too and suggested the headband!
I should add that my ear muffs were quite beautiful though, with a black velvet headband and black fur
I understand the ear-thing if you are referring to wind and/or cold. I live in Florida and even the slightest of cool wind in my ears hurts so bad. I had to purchase a head-band (made to keep the ears warm) for the winter, and I looked pretty silly to my friends because it wasn't cold! Oh well, it helped my ears. Now to talk about pathetic! I did a 5K today and now can barely walk. I have been doing 5k"s for 1-1/2 years and just recently injured my heel and still can't stop myself from doing 5k's. (I'm addicted). But this time I think I have to take the break and totally let it heal.
Fortunately there are very few 5K's during the summer months so I will give it the rest it needs. I do believe there is a major difference between treadmills and running on the pavement. I just feel the pavement is a better workout, although harder on your body. So if your body can handle it, do the pavement! But like someone had mentioned, just put the treadmill to a higher incline! Good luck to all who run. And yes, everybody has their own pace, just try to beat your "own" record each time. 
Howdy....new to this site but was immediately drawn in when I saw your post. I feel like I am in the same boat however haven't been outside to see if I have ear pain, etc...lol. I have been running on a treadmill for several months and know I need to transition outside...I am starting to get bored with the treadmill and I'm afraid if I don't make some type of transition soon I may soon start finding my runs decreasing. I have a million and one excuses (the kids, too hot, getting hit by a car....it just happened yesterday in the news afterall, looking pathetic as I am gasping for air, being prideful and not wanting anyone wanting to see my jiggly thighs or me having to walk perhaps, you name it, I've thought it).
Years ago I did the treadmill thing and when I went outside I tried two runs and gave up. I don't want to do that again. I went with my husband and felt pressured to keep up with his pace. I want running to be a part of my life and I want my 40's+ to be filled with h....ealthy living. My goals are to be able to do a 5k and eventually a half marathon (trying to be realistic...lol). Then once again I wonder, what if I am the last freakin' person in on a race? What if they packed up everything and it was like a ghost town by the time I rolled in....(ok, maybe a SLIGHT exaggeration....lol).
Watch recommendations....Garmin, Tech 4 o, Suunto, Polar.....there are some really good articles on these watches at Runners World.
Good luck with the running outside....let us know how it is going.
I've been running on a treadmill for two months now and just today completed my first 4 mile road race and the treadmill did me no justice for what to expect from the outdoors . I ran four times a week with incline up to 4% and ran as far as 11.2 miles but kept it steady at 7.6 miles other wise . Although I finished in 31st out of 215 runners I felt winded at mile 1 and the other 3 were no picnic either . I loved the race and I have a 5K planned for the25th and I'll be out on the pavement trying to get ready for that race and the treadmill will have to wait for a rainy day . Treadmills do have there advantages but to get in running shape I think you must go outside .Jim
4-Mile road race- 27.30 and 6.53mm