I take great pride in the fact that during training for my big events, weather has never hindered me. If I have a six-mile run scheduled and it’s raining cats & dogs, I put on some clear glasses, a visor and moisture control socks and I get in my six miles. Training for last years Dallas White Rock Marathon, I relished my runs in deep snow. On some days, it was so deep, my pace slowed by 50-75%, so I changed my runs to time based instead of mile based, but I got in the time. The only time I really hate running is on 90+ degrees. Here in Kansas City, those days, especially when humid can make a man want to give it up. I try to run earlier in the day and utilize shady routes (plus my long runs utilizing the beat the heat workout I posted a while back). One particular memory sticks out. On a cold and windy day, I had put in seven miles, and when one of my friends called me, they were shocked to hear I went running. They didn’t even want to go to the grocery store, because of the walk from the car to the door. It made me proud to think I had toughened up over the past few years to where weather wasn’t a determinant of my running schedule.
It’s hard to keep me indoors. I rarely have used a dreadmill (treadmill if you hadn’t figured it yet), and don’t particularly like them. Part of the running experience is the runs in 6 inches of snow, or getting caught in a rainstorm with a buddy when you are miles and miles from his house. The treadmill represents (in my mind) running to try to lose weight, not running for the sake of running. But, while developing my plans for adding work to prepare for the Run Across Kansas, I decided I should consider one for adding a few miles here and there.
So today, I purchased a used treadmill. I was lucky enough that one popped up locally that was a very high quality unit with little wear. The current owners were nice enough to let me test run it, and I am pleased with my purchase. Now, I will make it a goal to add some walking and slower running miles while multitasking in some other way at home.
I will run during Sportscenter or the Chiefs games. I will walk while watching movies. Between this new purchase, and my exercise bike, I have no excuse for not tacking on an extra 3-5 hours of light work inside per week. Should be fun to see how many extra easy miles I can squeeze in.
I am going to begin posting my weekly workouts just so I can show what I am doing in preparation to Run Across Kansas. Not only to provide accountability, but also to maybe get some suggestions back. I am sure some people will say that I am not running enough miles or running too many miles… but perhaps some of you can help me out along the way.
