Tag Archives: treadmill running

Two Treadmill Tips

Posted on by

Wells is 4 months old today!

DSC_0643

Siblings after bathtime!

Siblings after bathtime!

I’ve spent most of the last week on the treadmill (I know I’m not alone here!). I’m getting more used to it the more I do it, but still strongly prefer running outside.

My main problems with the treadmill are:

  • It’s boring
  • It makes my hips and feet ache
  • It’s in my attic and it’s really hot up there
  • Distractions like household duties and kids make it really easy to stop much earlier than I would outside when it’s just me and the trail.

My main problems with running in snow + bitter cold:

  • Muscles get a little tweaked from being unstable every step I take
  • Wearing a million layers makes me feel heavy and slow
  • Wearing something over my face makes it hard to breathe, but not wearing something isn’t an option when it’s -15 degrees!
  • Doesn’t feel safe running by roads where cars are slipping and sliding

My great things about the treadmill:

  • I have one at home and can essentially do it at any time (as long as I get one kid sleeping and the other occupied and it’s not too close or far from my last meal!)
  • Being hot in the attic means I run in a sports bra and undies = a LOT less laundry!
  • I can watch something on the iPad to make the miles pass a little faster

I’ve tried everything to enjoy the treadmill more… talked to so many runners, read articles and blog posts, but it never really got easier. I just feel unnatural and like I’m sprinting the whole time, even when I’m running much slower than I’d run outside. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I’m moving my legs fast but not getting anywhere. When I’m running, I really connect nature + my body + my mind and when I’m on the ‘mill, it feels artificial… missing that triad. But, I’m thankful for the treadmill and have been determined to enjoy it a little more, especially with this crazy winter we’ve had so far!

Finally, some advice from my brothers and Oiselle teammate Heidi got me on the right track. My brothers basically told me to run as easy as I want to start, and just keep speeding up every so often. Maybe every 1/4 mile, maybe every 1/2 mile, whatever keeps me actively participating. They also mentioned that I should play video games while running. (HA, but seriously they said that! My older brother studied on the treadmill during medical school! I don’t know how he did it, but he did!)

Then, I was reading a blog post from Heidi and she just wrote a little blurb about how she loves watching the news on the treadmill. I’ve tried it before and haven’t liked it so much. But, then I remembered that my celebrity crush since 1998, Carson Daly, started on the Today Show and I knew he could probably pull me through at least a run. I downloaded the Today Show app on the iPad since we don’t have a tv by the treadmill and that first run was so wonderful! Carson didn’t disappoint. He had me laughing out loud and before I knew it my run was over. I like how that particular app has news snippets that are 1-4 minutes long, some serious, some lighthearted, some just plain kooky. I never know what’s coming next and that makes it interesting. I also like to speed up one increment with each news story. I even did a little tempo run on the treadmill last week, but that was the only speedwork that happened.

I’ve had 2 weeks in a row over 50 miles and I’m trying to stay there. I hope to get outside for a few more runs this week. We shall see!

Here are the 4 month pics! (Wells turned 17 weeks old on Friday, he’s exactly 4 months old today)! Took the pics at 9pm so I couldn’t use my regular location, Wells’ bedroom, since he was in bed. So here are some real life, end of day & feeling the bloat, racing kit photos for you:

4 months postpartum!

4 months postpartum!

 Questions for you:

What is your greatest treadmill running tip?!

Who’s your celeb crush?!

 

 

Grateful

Posted on by

Ever since my last marathon, one of my favorite visual cues has been “Grateful” (thank you Believe I Am). Whenever I’m getting a little off course in life/running I think of it and quickly snap back into reality. Here’s are two examples of my inner dialogue lately:

  • Me: I hate treadmill running!
  • Me: Jeff is always working! I have no time to run!
Then I went and changed my attitude to GRATEFUL had my longest treadmill run ever. Yes, this is small potatoes for some, but  8 miles on the TM is HUGE for me!
treadmill workout

Longest TM run ever, started at 7.0mph and ended at 9.7mph.


During the run, I started thinking about how Erin commented on my last post (when I talked about surviving on the TM) saying I was lucky to have a treadmill at home. How true! My husband travels a lot, and there’s no way I could run with Currie in the stroller when temps are below zero. The treadmill allows me to run on days I otherwise wouldn’t have other options. So grateful!

This is what Currie did while I ran. Craft time!

As I ran, I listened to music with PBS Kids on the tv. The first song that played on my Pandora station was one that reminded me of my mom (because she always knows “cool pop music” before me and I remember the first time she told me how much she liked the song). I instantly felt grateful that she’s still alive through multiple struggles with cancer, that she and my dad have always been so supportive of us and just what a cool family I have. Do you wonder what the song was?

Yep, David Guetta’s Sexy Chick

Less than 10 minutes later, I heard a song that reminded me of my sister. It was Sean Kingston’s Fire Burning. My sister is a cheer coach and she used the song as competition music one of her first years coaching. I always think of her when I hear the song. Since I was running, I thought of what a talented runner she is, and how she can’t run anymore because of problems with vasovagal syncope. I know she misses it and it makes me sad. My mind wandered and I thought of all my friends, both IRL and virtual, who are injured and not able to run. I was overwhelmed with emotion, knowing how lucky I am to be able to run every day.  So grateful.

Reminds me of my sister every time!

Right after that, Kid Cudi’s Day ‘N’ Nite came on. My husband and I used to sing this song in the most ridiculous way. It always makes me laugh. I felt grateful to have met someone who is just as strange as me, who also happens to love running, hard work and me! So grateful!

Next, I started thinking about a few life goals outside of running and how they are beginning to fall into place. So grateful!

Before I knew it, 8 miles were done. Well, the time didn’t fly, but it also wasn’t horrible. I can’t see myself ever loving the treadmill, but we can have our moments. So grateful!

 What are you grateful for? What’s your favorite visual cue?