Turtles Can Run

It was cold yesterday so I decided to go to the gym and run on the treadmill.  I was excited about running I had not run in two days.  Arrived  at  the gym all ready to go and then I got on the treadmill and all my enthusiasm was sapped out of me.  I can never really get into a good groove on the treadmill,  I feel like I am not the one setting my own pace.  Tried  to change the incline and speed often to keep it interesting, but I just could not get into it.  .  So I only ran two miles instead of my intended 4, and did some weight training.  I felt good after, working out always has that effect on me.  But not really happy about my run.

I love running outside!  Watching the scenery go by, occasionally spotting animals, and meeting other runners (even if it is just a wave)  are some of the things that make the experience superior to the treadmill.  The ability to set my pace moment by moment, starting out slow to warm up, gradually building speed, sometimes sprinting to see if I can catch up with a runner who is ahead of me or just sprinting  because it feels good  to go as fast and then slowing down to enjoy my runner’s high.   So tomorrow 6 miles at my favorite trail.   I can’t wait!!

If you are stuck on the treadmill here are some good articles on treadmill running:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263–608-1-1-2,00.html

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=15260

Slow and Steady Still Finishes the Race

- Middalia Wayman

Filed under: Running Blog