The coldest day of the season, in fact. So cold that my temperature gauge in my car says 0 degrees. I suspect, however, this is only because my poor car doesn't know how to tell me the temperature is actually in the negative range. The weatherman, however, does know how to tell me. And he says it is bitter today. (Thanks, Andy Avalos, for never mincing words and for giving me the forecast straight! Glad I can count on you.) My good friend Andy also gives me hope. He promises that the end is in sight, that it will be warmer this weekend. Here's hoping...with fingers crossed...and toes...
So, what's a girl in (half, for now) marathon training mode to do in the meantime? Go for a run, of course! On the treadmill. Which I hate. I just have a hard time getting pumped up to run in one place for miles. Really? Nowhere to go, nothing new to see. The best I can hope for by way of entertainment is the spinners in the studio next to my treadmill wearing some really rockin' biking shorts. (Disclaimer: I have nothing but appreciation for cyclists/spinners. I can't ride those hills the way you do. I've tried whole-heartedly, and failed. Miserably. I just can't seem to keep my feet in those stirrup-y things on the pedals. But that's a story for another day...)
Back to the treadmill...running...running...going nowhere...ugh. Even the TV can't keep my interest. I need music to keep me running no matter where I'm at, so I listen to my iPod. Bel Biv Divoe, Michael Jackson, Prince - they get me pumped up and I feel like I'm unstoppable. For a few minutes. But soon, after the urge to dance and sing along fades, I find my attentions wandering and my eyes looking around, in search of that next spinner in the neon yellow shorts. I swear, one of these days I'm going to miss a step and fall right of the back of that dreaded machine, all in the interests of trying to find some new scenery or something to keep my attention.
I'm counting my lucky stars that for now I'm in the early - 3 mile - stage of my training. And I'm looking forward to Sunday, my first "long" run day (4 miles!), because that darling weather forecaster has promised me that the arctic temperatures are on their way out and by Sunday I should be able to run outside. (Okay, maybe he didn't quite make all those promises, but I'm hopeful...) Who would have thought that 35 degrees would be something to look forward to???
Between now and then, though, any tips on keeping focused on the treadmill would be greatly appreciated (by me and those poor spinners I keep gawking at!)
Stay warm!
You're not the only one, I can't wait for the heatwave of 35F !!
ReplyDeleteKelly
I may be double posting here...
ReplyDeleteI like to cover up the display with a towel so I'm not constantly watching the time or miles tick by, which makes the run feel like it is taking forever.
Also, I like to use one of the programs that automatically changes the incline, keeps things interesting.
For me, I can get lost in a movie and go forever. However, if I'm having a really hard time, I'll end up doing a shorter run and focusing on cross-training. I do love the spinning class. It's a small investment, but if you have trouble keeping your feet in the stirrups, you can get the shoes that click on. :-) Luckily, spring is almost here!!!
ReplyDelete