Ah, yes, the dreadmill. I gave in. For the first time this winter, I decided I wasn't going to run outside but rather venture down to a very scary place--our basement--for my run. Our basement is scary because it's unfinished and is home to more than one litterbox. It also grows cobwebs at an alarming rate. We have a nice enough treadmill that is about 5-6 years old. It doesn't get a lot of use because I am usually into running outside, but I jumped on it tonight for my 4 miles. We used to have a TV down there, but we don't anymore, so I turned up the music. It really wasn't so bad, and I admit that hesitantly. It was nice that it didn't take me 15-20 minutes to get on my appropriate winter attire, it was nice that my run didn't depend on how my neighbors had or hadn't shoveled, and it was nice that I didn't have to climb over any snow banks.
I should add that the reason I jumped on the treadmill tonight was that there is a windchill warning across the Midwest. The windchill is well below zero (I mean, like negative 20), and the wind is just whipping snow around. Yet, for some strange reason, I feel a bit of disappointed in myself that I didn't brave it. I know that's ridiculous. Yet, I don't like it when the weather sends me inside because it's like I let the weather win. Like I said, I know it's ridiculous. I'm not sure why I see myself in a battle with the weather in the first place.
I may be doing some of my long weekend runs on the treadmill if the weather doesn't change. I heard tomorrow's windchill is negative 30-35...Yes, below zero...I have 8 miles on Saturday, and it may be a dreadmill run. It certainly wouldn't be the end of the world. There are a few benefits...you can't slow down...you would fly off the back of the treadmill. So you gotta keep your pace. Also, you can create hills which is a great benefit when you live in Iowa and typically do flat runs. You can get off the treadmill if you need to use the restroom and you can keep your water bottle nearby without having to carry it. The risk of injury is decreased because it's a softer surface, and I don't have to worry about falling on ice. It also creates less laundry this time of year because I'm not having to wash the layers and layers of clothes I wear to run outside. And no one can see how fat my butt is in running tights (actually, I really don't care so that shouldn't count as an advantage). See? I am trying to be positive.
Of course, you also have to stare at the wall and tonight I ran for over 40 minutes--without going anywhere. I think it can be tougher mentally than running outside. I may work on making a few new CDs to play on treadmill days, if there are more to come...which there probably are. Tonight I actually ran with the lights off and only the light of the Miller High Life clock lighting the room. For some reason, this seemed more motivating. I can't explain it but it made me feel bad ass. Maybe if I put some Christmas lights down there....
I contacted the Garmin folks and sent them our Forerunner today. (Well, Bill actually packed up and sent the Forerunner. Thank you, Bill!) The good news is that we should be receiving a refurbished Garmin 7-12 days after they receive our Forerunner. I'm pleased with that. The place is in Olathe, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas, and very close to where Bill and I lived 4-5 years ago. I'm pretty excited that they got back to me and actually seemed sincere in saying they were sorry about the problem.
I should note something that I've been thinking about lately. An old friend from college died of cystic fibrosis. She was 31. I hadn't kept in touch with her consistenly, but my mother-in-law works with her parents, so I've known she's been ill. I knew she had CF in the first few minutes that I met her (when I asked her how she was lucky enough to have an AC unit in a building where they were not allowed and she told me that she had CF!!! Foot in mouth...) but she'd always seemed pretty healthy, all things considered. She got married a few years back and adopted a little girl. I remember her as someone who lived life to the fullest and wanted to experience every moment without holding back. She was well-liked on my dorm floor. Also, Dana was very social, wanted to be out doing things all the time (which I admired because it's unlike me). Even though we hadn't kept in touch in the last several years, I've thought about her death a lot and it's made me realize how so much of the stuff I get frustrated by is absolutely miniscule. It also reminded me a of a little girl who went to elementary and middle school with me, Jamey. Jamey was a really positive and bright little girl, and she passed away from CF when we were maybe in the 7th grade. It's sad that this disease takes so many lives...Dana made it much longer than many people with CF, but what's hard is that the disease took her after she had established herself as a wife and mother.
Tomorrow is Friday--my last day before my college students return! Of course I love breaks, but it will be good to get back in a routine.
No comments:
Post a Comment