1 plus 8 = 9, right?

We woke up to somewhat cold temperatures yesterday - minus 4. But there was no wind! Deb and I ran some errands in the morning and by 1:30, it seemed much better outside. It had climbed all the way to almost 10. Needless to say, I bundled up with all my new running gear - tights, wind pants, dry shirt, turtleneck, fleece, wind jacket, balaclava, gloves, and went out for my scheduled 9 miler. Down the street, around the block, and right back to the house. Had to pee. OK, so Deb told me to go before I bundled up. Oh yes, I was also frozen solid at that point. Details, details. So I admit it - I couldn't handle the cold. BUT, I did a mile AND I then went to the clubhouse and did 8 more miles on the treadmill.

This raises a question that I don't have the answer to and hope someone can answer for me (like anyone reads this other than Sara and my mom): Is running on a treadmill a valid and acceptable replacement for running outside? Do you get the same cardio and strength effect? If I did the rest of the training on a treadmill, would I be prepared for a marathon?

Don't all answer at once.......

Oh yeah, forgot to mention. The Snow Fairy shined down on KC again last night with a "dusting" of 2-3 inches. Damn I love that guy. Ben and Sam are going to shovel today for a change after doing nothing with the last foot we had.