Yep, winter is definitley hanging around again this week. Darn! Yes I am a true Minnesotan and most often enjoy the four seasons, but usually by February, I am itching for spring and warmer running weather! It’s been a long and cold winter for almost everyone!
It’s no secret I am year round runner and prefer the outdoors, espeically for long easy effort runs. However, when it comes to speed work, I almost always, during the winter months, head to the gym and grab a tread mill.
“How about you? Do you find running hills, repeats, intervals, or tempo runs more difficult outside in the cold and sometimes slippery, windy conditions?” I have been participating in these Monthly Programs by Another Mother Runner and they’re not only challenging, but I really have enjoyed the variety of the runs and strength exercises.
Lets face it, the treadmill is often referred to the “dreadmill” for very good reasons. However, I for one am happy to have one near by for workouts like this one or this one and this one, when the wind chill is way below zero!
You know what else I love? Because speed work involves more concentration, I find them entertaining. “Did I just say that”? Yes they hurt at times and I often feel like my heart is going to come out of my chest, but I am certainly am not bored.
In this post I mentioned trying out a new machine in the gym which I don’t have time for when I am training mode. It’s a fun way to break up my workout! I wouldn’t say it’s as fun as working out with my friends at Sarah’s Run and Tone classes, but both keep me in shape. In fact, even though Sarah pushes us and challenges us every week, we still have fun both, in and out of class!
So if you’re bored at the gym, hop on the treadmill and “get after it” as Olympian Carrie Tollefson would say. Try out a new machine. Do a series of exercises…just 4 or 5. Do each one for a minute without a break. Repeat again after a minute rest. You’ll be amazed how fast the time goes! Remember, bored is a state of mind ?.
[reminder]How about you? Do you have a favorite treadmill workout? Do you have a love hate relationship with the treadmill? Do you have a group of running friends you can’t imagine life without? [/reminder]
Leave a Reply