Cross Trainer v Running

https://www.verywellfit.com/why-use-elliptical-trainers-3436596

just found this article which may help. Cross trainers are just lower impact on the joints I think. I don't find them any easier/harder than a treadmill but maybe that's just me.

Running outdoors is much harder IMO. After a couple of months of running, I could run for an hour on the treadmill no problem at 10k. Took it outside, and was a sweaty wreck within 15, lol! You've so much more to work against outside - gradient, weather, wind - and you don't have a machine helping you control and regulate your progress.

If you carry on outside, you should ace the 5k within a couple of months!

In my opinion cross training is far easier than running. It's lower impact and depending on the type either allows you to use your arms to assist in the motion or gives you something to hold on to. I believe however an eliptical is suppsoed to burn more calories.

Regardless i know I can last far longer and at a higher intensity on an elipitcal but I see changes in my shape faster when i run.

I don't agree with that, I did nearly all my 10k training on a treadmill, I did a couple of runs around a local sports field but that's about it. The 10k was done on a well known horse trials site so I had divets to cope with but I still enjoyed it and found it possibly easier than treadmill running, more to keep my mind occupied I suppose.

I can't run to save my life. Whenever I try either outside or on the treadmill I manage about 10 mins before I have to stop through being knackered and/or totally bored. Put me on a cross trainer and i'll be happy for 30 mins.

Running on a cross trainer/treadmill is a alot easier than outdoor running IMO. Lot less stress on knees etc and the ambient temperatue and condition is constant in a gym rather than the continuous temps of outdoors, making the lungs work harder when outdoors (obvioulsly in different seasons).

When I trained for my first HM I did a lot of work on the cross-trainer. It was great because I've got dodgy legs and I didn't get injured with it. However, it does sap the will to live ?

I'd say a combination of the two (low-impact, high-intensity x-training and long slow runs) is probably pretty good.

Thank you all for your responses - although am now a little deflated as I thought i might have magically become superfit-girl with no effort ?

ah well, I guess the crosstrainer is better than nothing, and when I've increased my fitness a bit I'll give the running a go again.

The boredom thing is definitely true for the treadmill - I'd rather run outside any day as you've always something to focus on. I actually like the wind and the rain too - sunny weather is much more loathsome for exercise!