I enjoy running outside. I have learned to enjoy running in 20 degree weather. Nine degree weather? Well, I am still working on learning to enjoy running when it is that cold outside. Nine degree weather the morning after a snow storm with ice and snow stretching over all the sidewalks, past the fog lines and crowding the two way street to one lane of, almost, safe driving (Central, Water, and Brook – I’m talking about you!)? I don’t know that I will ever get there.
Naturally, then, I opted to hit a local gym to so I could run after the storm last week.
In my last Blog, I wrote about the wonderful state of just ‘being’ when I run. Some may call it zen-ish. Others might call it ‘in the zone.’ Whatever label you put on your ability to calm your mind and just be – just put a big old X through the word when you treadmill. Yes, I made it a verb.
For me, I can't just 'be' when I treadmill. My mind doesn't turn to the quiet or the contemplative or the peaceful. My mind turns competitive. It's me versus the machine. It's me versus every other run I've ever done. It's me versus me. Is it the lack of scenery passing me by? Is it the absence of fresh air on my face? Is it that I feel like I'm just a hamster on a wheel in a cage? Whatever it is, my mind behaves differently. I start out too fast. I keep the speed way too high in the middle of the run with the incline too steep. Even with music in my headphones, all I focus on is that digital counter in front of me. And for me, that's just not fun.
Is there value to doing some speed drills on the treadmill? Perhaps there is. But I'm not trying to win the race. I'm not trying for a personal best (though to be fair, whatever my time is will be my best). I simply want to get my endurance to the point where I can finish, and enjoy the run.
Perhaps this harkens to my un-shape attitude. I'm 46. I lead a full life and added this challenge. This only works for me if I enjoy the process and can just 'be.'
I can't say that I will avoid treadmilling for the remainder of my journey. Snow, ice, and darkness may push me back to that wheel.
But no matter where you might find me in my training, feel free to give me a wave and a hearty "run, stu, run!"
I've been chosen to represent Framingham in the 2014 Boston Marathon and to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. Please consider donating what you can (truly – any amount helps) to help support the Boys and Girls Club of Framingham through my gofundme site linked here http://www.gofundme.com/5srci4 .
