OK, so, I've been talking about how I'm getting tough this year and running outside. All winter. In the cold. Like a Toughie McTougherson.
And, um, well, I've been moderately tough. Until today. I made the wrong decision today. It was chilly this evening when Owen got home from work. And dark. And I was afraid that the hilly part of my neighborhood loop, the part that is notoriously icy in winter, would, in fact, be icy. So I decided to run on the treadmill.
All I have to say now is . . . why?!?! Why did I do such a silly thing? It stunk. My run just plain stunk. I couldn't find any sort of rhythm and every quarter mile felt like two miles and it was just all wrong. I ran 4.25 cruddy miles on the 'mill. Ugh.
I have no idea why I often have cruddy treadmill runs. Sometimes I can get a good pace going and enjoy my 'mill runs. But then I have these cruddy ones. And, for some reason, they are far cruddier than the cruddiest outdoor runs.
Chalk it up to making the wrong decision. I hadn't run on the 'mill in ages so I'd forgotten. I need to remind myself that a cold run is most likely better than a treadmill run. And I need to get some of those stabilicers or yaktrax or something so that I don't have to fear the ice.
I don't mean to be a treadmill downer today. Tomorrow maybe I'll hit the roads. Or, considering we're supposed to get a storm, maybe I'll run on the 'mill during the day and it will be better. We'll see!
~ Felice
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The wrong decision.
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27 comments:
I HATE hate hate the treadmill. Seriously I dread it. The only way for me to make it bearable is to do interval training. Distances just don't work for me on it. Grrr...
Duuuuude! Do you listen to radio shows? I found a new trick. This week, I downloaded a WNYC RadioLab episode (1hr, the one about stoichasticity) and it made my 8imle run on the treadmill go by wicked fast. Worked better than music, television, just awesome. I even found myself laughing (and almost crying) at the gym. OK, maybe I have issues. But don't give up just yet! The mill can be your friend!
Sorry your run sucked. I'm not a fan of running on the treadmill, but if I have to, I either do speedwork or make sure there's something good on tv.
Hope you have a better run tomorrow.
I'm impressed that you got 4+ miles in on the treadmill - ugh! Good job getting it in. :)
Treadmill runs are always tough and takes a little getting used to mainly because it requires a different form (i.e. you're trying to keep up with the treadmill instead of propelling yourself forward when you're on the roads) So tomorrow's run should be better!
Yeah, dreadmill runs always suck. They'll do in a pinch, but that's about it.
We should only have about 3 inches tomorrow, but if its rain in the afternoon? Then its 2 inches of slush.
I've made that mistake, but sometimes it can't be helped.
And hey - 4+ miles on the mill is better than nothing at all :)
Today was cold and rainy outside and opted for the dreadmill. I very seldom use this machine, and 10 mile on it felt awful. I couldn’t find my rhythm and ended up forcing it the entire time. Later that evening, I took my son to wrestling practice and went on a 7 mile run to kill some time and make myself feel better. Seven miles in the rain felt absolutely incredible after the dreadmill experience.
Good luck with the running.
The hardest part is getting out the door. Bundle up and go get 'em!
Mill or not you ran!! I also agree with X-countryx^2, its not so bad once you get out there!
Treadmills take some time to get used to. It was -2 in Denver-land today when I wanted to run so I had to resort to the treadmill also. I do have my limits. But at least ya got a run in and that's all that counts!
i don't hate the 'mill as much as i used to - but that's probably because i have much less of an "option" now. (or at least i feel like i have less of an option). 4+ is always better than 0, and infinitely better than wiping out on an icy sidewalk!
hope today's run is much more enjoyable and you can get outside for it!
Treadmills are the worst. However let today serve as motivation to get outside and run!
Hi there!
Haha - my sister is a runner and likens running on a treadmill to a "gerbil on a wheel" ! It is definitely hard to get up and go when it is icy and wintery outside so we definitely recommend you get some sort of ice cleat, specifically something designed for running in those conditions. Our Stabilicer sports are designed for runners so they are light durable and you won't feel them upon impact. We made a short, funny video about them! http://www.youtube.com/user/32northSTABILICERS#p/f/1/2iXgxBG97IU
Well stay safe out there and keep staying active all year round!
Happy Holidays,
Heather
32north
www.32north.com
It's interesting to read this today, as just last night I was talking to Brent about potentially shelling out the money to start up my gym membership again so that I'm able to run at odd times like late at night or early in the morning, without having to worry about being out by myself when it's dark.
But maybe now that I've gotten away from treadmilling, I'll end up regretting it... think it's a bad idea?
Hope your next run goes smoothly. When your body is used to doing one thing, switching time can be rough. Like driving one vehicle for ever, and hopping in another one. Well, have a good one.
Honestly I give anyone who can pull off a treadmill run mad respect because I am completely incapable of running on one. We're talking INCAPABLE! LOL! Have a great run today girl!
I feel like the first time back on the treadmill is always the worst. You just have to get back into the rhythm! I'll be trying out the treadmill tomorrow morning. Its supposed to snow the rest of the week with rain and I KNOW it will be icy!
I'm trying to get used to running on the treadmill again and it's just not the same.
Remind yourself of this post next time you're tempted to shy away from the cold.
I need to get some yaktrax too - I've had far too many close calls.
I despise the treadmill. Time stays still when I jump on it. An hour goes by, but the clock says it's only been 5 minutes. I hate it.
I toughed out 8 miles on the dreadmill tonight and they were BORING! Good run but I was board as heck! I feel ya! It's cold here and this CA girl isn't feelin' it! Good luck today! :)
I agree! I hate looking at the mileage and always being disappointed because it felt like so much further! Good luck on your runs outside!
I cannot do steady state treadmill runs. I refuse. I vary the pace so I don't die of boredom.
However I am a gigantic wimp when it comes to cold runs, but I am doing my first one today at lunch. It's 40 degrees here, yipes! Wish me luck!
I actually like treadmill runs sometimes, only because I know I don't have to run back :) Hoping tomorrow is better!
Treadmills suck, but they are necessary sometimes. You did it, and thats what counts!
I have never had a good run on the treadmill. It's so tedious to me. Definitely go and get some stabilicers! I find that the more I run outside in the cold, the more I appreciate winter. Really!
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