the pit of one thousand demons

Yeah, it can get a little thick on both sides of the debate. If running outdoors is all you can afford right now, it's still better to do that than nothing at all and you should be encouraged for what you're doing rather than being damned for what you're not. If, later, you can join a gym or otherwise supplement your regime, awesome. But you shouldn't ever feel belittled because of your particular situation. (at least, that's my opinion on these things.)