Don't Tread On Me

Everyone knows that ever since the Half Marathon back in May I've been in a funk with my running. I continually tried to get on track and personally feel I have failed miserably. However, I believe I have hit a turning point. With David's new job comes many benefits, including a key to the fitness center at the school. There are 3 treadmills, bikes, a small indoor track (15 times around makes a mile) and a ton of weight equipment. We can also go whenever we want. Upon learning we were able to use the facility it gave me relief to know we can go there this winter to run and not have to worry about breaking my neck out on the ice. Not to mention I can't have an excuse for not running in the winter season. I hadn't planned on using the gym until needed but David talked me into meeting him after work one night. In all honesty I was dreading the experience knowing it was going to be on a treadmill. Although I've had very little experience on treadmills I just didn't like them. It seemed to take forever to go the same distance as being outside. Not to mention I just got bored. Then when I arrived I found my view to be this....


Before, I got bored people watching, how in the world was I going to deal with running into a white wall? I sucked it up and went on with the run and found it not to be too bad. Whew! Actually it was so good I went the next day, and the next, and the next. Yep, I think I'm back in the swing of things. Of course the weather's been real nice and I should be running outside, but I'm taking advantage of this new found inspiration. I've found that taking clothes to work and having a "date" with the gym definitely helps me stick to my plan and holds me accountable. And for the most part the gym is quiet. The only ruckus I have every so often is a youth basketball league. They don't bother me much though as I just tune them out listening to music. Otherwise, I only have 1/2 the lights on and maybe there's 1-2 more people. It's not like at a regular gym with a ton of people. It's just me and my run, which is how I like it to be.

Unfortunately David and I are unable to run together due to our schedules (he runs later, after he's done for work). But that's no biggie. And the white wall? In the begining I found myself counting the holes in the wall, now it's not an issue. Of course I notice it because it's there but most often I tend to get in my zone and don't think much of it. It's hard to explain...my eyes just relax, kind of like looking at one of those Magic Eye pictures, and just rock out to my music. I wasn't one to listen to music much while running outside due to safety, but now I definitely need music. Like I said, it helps tune things out and keeps me going strong. I'm thankful that I gave running inside a chance. I know I won't run inside forever and still love to run outside, but this helped mix things up a bit, and for that I am thankful. I'm back to keeping a daily running schedule of 3 miles and feel great. I just needed a change and a good kick in the ass.

Even while I was in the funk I was able to maintain my minimum 10 miles per week, which is good. I'm interested in seeing what my total mileage for the year will be. But for the time being, if you watch my mileage over to the left of the blog you'll see that I'm getting awfully close to my goal of 500 miles this year.....only another run or two and I'll be there....