For most of the last 10 months I have run on a treadmill. It is easy. There is a television to kill the time. My pace is consistent that way. I know that I am improving based on the increase level of speed, time, and distance. I even run, from time to time, with a bit of an incline so that it is more like running outside. Boy, was it humbling to run outside a few weeks ago.
I was in Toronto a few weeks ago and my friend Elyse wanted to take me running outside. After all, she said, we would be running on the same roads that the half marathon will be run on. The snow wouldn't be an issue, because she was buying me something to put on my shoes for traction. I would, allegedly, get used to the temperature. And, back in July I promised her that I would do so.
I was nervous to run with Elyse. She is an uber athlete; she had completed Iron Man races and is my hero when it comes to anything athletic. I have made tremendous progress, which I truly am proud of, but I don't know that I will ever be able to attain the level of athleticism that Elyse has --- and I am OK with that. But, I also didn't want her to think that I hadn't been doing everything that I was telling her about. I got over it pretty quickly once we started running. Elyse was patient and didn't mind running at my pace (even though I felt bad as I still don't think she got much of a workout that day).
Elyse taught me an incredible lesson that day. I kind of think that was part of her overall goal that day. I learned that there is absolutely no substitute for running outside. 5k outside kicked my ass in a way that 6 miles on a treadmill never had. I learned that to get through these upcoming races that I have to train outside --- at least part of the time. Yes, it hurts more. And, there is no television. But, it has to be done.
So, I am off to put in a few miles outside tonight. I was going to go to the gym and run on the treadmill during Glee --- but I have races coming up that I need to be ready for. So, Glee can wait but the road can't.
OK now I am stalking your blog... and giving you all sorts of possibly unwanted advice... :)
ReplyDeleteI used to prefer the treadmill also... now I call it (like many others) the dreadmill. Somehow running became this time where I enjoy being inside my own head, and I even stopped using music (except on the treadmill if there's nothing to watch). It took me a while to get there, and for sure on really long runs I need company or it would be tough - but I definitely recommend at least your long weekend run to be outside. It's harder when there's bad weather (here, cold, or in summer really hot) and you have to choose the right clothing or right time of day to run, but with the right warm weather gear or proper hydration it will pay off to stick to some outside running. Especially if your end goal is a race, which will probably be on asphalt and not cushy treadmill.
Now I use the treadmill for sure when there's bad weather, or when I am already doing strength training at the gym, and to keep the boredom away I mostly do intervals and speedwork... I did 6.5 miles on a snowy day recently on the treadmill and it was almost torture to be on it that long.