i've been trying to get back on the horse... or in this case, the treadmill. this time last year i was running about 5 miles every other day and 2-3 miles on the other days. not a lot but probably much more than your average person. at one point i'd gotten to what i called the 5 in 35. i was running 5 miles in less than 35 minutes (that's sub 7 minute miles for the non-math folks such as myself). this had me pumped because while a 7 minute mile isn't incredible by any means... it still felt great to be able to hold that pace for 5 miles and know that when i had to run just 2 miles i'd hopefully be able to do so with ease.at some point after Christmas is stopped. this was probably due to an increase in "out of the wire" missions and it was more difficult to keep a routine. i'm very routine based so chaos destroys most hopes i have for working out.
so here i am, almost a year later working on week two of running but i'm discovering several hurdles (not real ones, think figurative) that consistently get in the way of meeting my running goals.
1-pride. this is number one because it's my biggest flaw with running. knowing that i once could run like a gazelle makes me want to push my now out-of-running-shape body to a pace that is unrealistic for my current running ability. this causes me to burn out too quick and therefore not meet my mileage goal for the day.
2-time. no further details are needed here. i'm sure everyone has this issue.
3-location. i hate running on treadmills. i did it in iraq because it was either 130 degrees outside or when it wasn't there was still sand storms and God only knows what fumes from generators and tank/humvee exhaust waiting to be inhaled. but now that i'm home, i want to run outside. but i live in the worst part of town for just heading out for a run. this last summer i'd go to bush park but then i'm cutting into that whole time thing again. i basically miss eugene's spoon-fed running trails.
4- fear of disappearing. what i mean is that i've already lost 15 pounds since i've been home from iraq. something i attribute to my weight lifting routine no longer being a routine at all.
5-forrest gump envy. okay maybe not but what kind of list only has 4 points on it?
ultimately running serves several purposes for me... i'm able to stay in shape, pass my physical training for the army, and it relieves any stress i have in my day. that last piece is vital for my sanity.
any tips on motivation are much appreciated.
7 comments:
Treadmills incorporate the act of walking and yet add many benefits onto the already incredibly beneficial and advantageous form of exercise. Such as the fact that often times when people are running outdoors they get bored, especially if they like going for particularly long runs.
http://www.yorkfitness.com/Treadmills-cat-501/Index.html
I just started working out after *never* working out before. I HATE running!! but as it turns out it's good for you(dang it!). Any way, I run in a gym on a treadmill with a friend. I like the treadmill because it is easier for me to set a goal and get to it because i am not very good at judging distances on my own. As far as the motivation goes, it helps me to meet my friend at the gym at 5 15 am because she will give me a hard time if i cant get my but out of bed. My friend just lost 60 pounds and she motivates me!!!
that's God punishing you for leaving Eugene.
Garmin 305
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000CSWCQA/ref=nosim/tirebouchon-20#moreAboutThisProduct
Tracking your progress without doing any of the math yourself is surprisingly rewarding.
I haven't any suggestions for you, just commiseration. There are very few routes out here and the weather is getting ridiculously cold. I did find, however, that I am more entertained and motivated if I am watching a sporting event while treadmilling (football in particular). I guess that was a suggestion. Dang it.
Get a Garmin and compete against your lazy friends in a contest to see who can not get saggy man teets.
I think people have to have teets first, then we can talk about a saggy man teet contest.
my usual solution to not running is running. What?
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