So I wasn't sure I was going to run tonight. Typically, I run as soon as I get home from work so that I can "cross it off my list", however, I was super tired when I got home and decided to do other things instead: practice piano (my last lesson is Tuesday. :( ), watch tv, talk on the phone. I had some Honey Nut Cheerios, toast and lemonade for dinner while watching "What Not To Wear" (as much as I hate to admit it, I always get emotional during the "reveal". But I digress). All of a sudden, I was inspired to get on the tread and go at it. Surprisingly my legs felt great - there was no pain anywhere. I don't remember the last time I ran and didn't have pain in my ankle or thigh or hip, etc. It would have been too good to be true if EVERYTHING had felt great during the run. So I was running along and all of a sudden felt like the Cheerios were trying to make a reappearance. Not interested. So I slowed down a bit and tried to breathe steadily. I started cramping up a bit and just felt generally uncomfortable. My digestive system was less than thrilled with my decision to hop on the tread within 30 minutes of eating. Live and learn. I started to feel better though and I ended up finishing 3 miles in 29:52, which I was pretty happy with. I just wanted to finish under 30.
I have to wonder how different my time would be (if at all) if I'd run the 3 miles outside instead of on the tread. Sometimes I feel like I'm capable of a faster pace but just go with the flow (while treading). For whatever reason, I'm a little too intimidated to run outside. It sounds ridiculous (even to me) but I just am not comfortable with it. It might help if I plotted out a route where I knew distance and landmarks and whatnot. I need to do that. Even though I just wrote that I think I'm holding back, I'm worried I will have no idea how to really pace myself on my own. Jesus God, I'm overanalyzing the hell out of this(Dave must be rubbing off on me). I just need to go outside and run. That's all there is to it. I'd really like to get some gadgets to help me along...like a Garmin and an iPod...hmmm. :)
Yesterday I rested. Wednesday I did 3 miles in 30:23. It went alright except for pain in my right hip area. Not cool. I'm feeling pretty good right now. I might go biking tomorrow and am still trying to figure out whether to do 6 or shoot for 7 on Sunday. I'll just play it by ear. Happy Friday!!!
8 comments:
Oh my gosh, I totally get emotional during the What Not To Wear reveals too!! Glad I'm not the only one who spends my Friday nights watching the show ;)
For what it's worth, I definitely vote for heading outside for a run. I find my outdoors runs are a million times easier than my treadmill runs. If you need some inspiration in terms of routes and whatnot, try www.mapmyrun.com. You can even enter your zip and find runs other people in your area have saved.
Yeah, it's definitely risky trying to take your runs outdoors. If you want to be safe, stick to your treadmill. Of course, I don't have one, so all of my adventures have to be out there...
a year ago, you could have never talked me into running outside. i felt like people were looking at me, and i was fat. but, i did it anyway.
if you're still looking at running a marathon, you'll basically have to run outside, since 10+ mi runs on treadmills suck.
run at a slow, easy pace to start with, bring some tunes, and wear clothes you're comfortable in. after the first few times out, you won't even care.
In the past when I would run outside, I would walk if a car or person was coming because I didn't want them to think I looked funny. But since I started working on this marathon, its been completely different. Now I just think that anyone making fun of me in their car probably isn't going to be ready for 26.2 in Oct like I hope to be, and any runners that pass me (on foot or in a car) couldn't care less what I look like hobbling/rolling down the road anyway because at least I'm out there.
I go back and forth between running outside and inside on the tread. I couldn't imagine running anything more than 5 or 6 on the treadmill - I get way too bored and wrapped up in watching the mileage slowly change. The first time I ran outside I guessed at how far I was going. When I went back through with my car to get the actual - it was 2 miles further than I thought and ended up being a personal best! Give it a try and see what happens!
I too have struggled with the outdoor run just because I like to know my distance. BUT...they are quite enjoyable once you find a route...
I agree, especially for long runs, outside is the way to go. You can't beat the convenience of the TM, though. Get the Nike+ system and you will never need to worry about your distance again!
Hey, I found your blog through your comments on another blog...nice to meet you!
Just my 2 cents: I found the transition from TM to road to be more difficult than I expected. I wasn't expecting the wind/hills/sun etc to cause so much trouble. Also, the impact on the road is harder than on the TM and I some shin splint flare-ups. BUT if you are planning on running a marathon, you really need to get use to road running...unless of course it is a TM marathon...
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