And there is a good reason for that. Well a few good reasons.
First, my best friend and best running buddy is pregnant! She is about 16 weeks along and she has found that running on the treadmill works better for her. So in order for us to "run together" I have been visiting the treadmill a bit more often so we can chat while we run.
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| Best friends and running buddies for life! (Pregnancy photo!) |
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| Beautiful but not the best run conditions |
Every winter I hear many other runners complain about how they hate the treadmill and how hard it is to run on it. And I wouldn't disagree - the treadmill is tough and boring. But when the roads get snowy or icy and the conditions become dangerous that I worry about getting hit by a car, I prefer to be on the treadmill. Running on the treadmill is the safer option and is less stressful because then I don't have to worry about dodging cars or losing my footing in the snow.
The gym I belong to that has the treadmills also has TVs in front of each treadmill and I think that is one reason I can stand to run so long. Having the TV really distracts me from focusing on watching the tenths of miles tick by. Also having a buddy to talk to while on the treadmill makes the time fly by as well. Without at least one of these distractions I don't think I would last long on the treadmill.
Running on the treadmill really is a mental battle. Just like in a race, you have to have your head in the game when running on the treadmill in order to meet your goal. If you go into a treadmill thinking "this is going to be horrible" then it most likely will. Instead if you think "this isn't ideal, but at least I get to run today" then I bet the treadmill run would go a lot better. Its all about your outlook. And a treadmill run is still a run and at least you got to run today.
I really do love winter running but sometimes for my safety (and to keep Brian from worrying) I head to the treadmill. At least for now the weather looks good for the next week so I think I can do most of my runs outside and avoid the treadmill for a while.
10 comments:
Love the snow!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Aw, it's sweet that you can keep your friend company on the treadmill. I run on the treadmill in the winter for the same reasons. There's no reason to risk getting injured due to slick conditions.
Certainly good reasons for treadmill running. I am very fortunate. I've been running for 31.5 years now and have never run on a treadmill. Our weather allows outside running throughout the year.
The weather here has also been an outside running killer. Luckily, my gym has the same deal with the TV's...they are attached to each machine. That is how I survive.
i don't mind the treadmill, but unfortunately where we are now you can't see any tv's and well that certainly makes the time pass much faster!
I don't have a treadmill, but I would like to! I could run and watch tv at the same time.
http://www.momshomerun.com
May I say that you are best friend of the year for doing that? I am one of those people who really can't stand the treadmill. Ever. I do live somewhere where winters aren't terrible, most of the time, so that helps.
Hope you get outside soon!
Wow! I don't think I've ever read a post of yours when you're on the treadmill : ) TV is a must when I'm on one, otherwise it ain't gonna happen.
You're such a good best friend offering to run on the treadmill with her! :) I felt like it was easier to run on the treadmill too at the earlier part of my pregnancy, probably because I could adjust the speed.
Yes, I'd much rather stay on the treadmill than dodge snow/ice/vehicles.
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