treadmill?

I don't know what the groundhog predicted, or which groundhog you prefer (Brookfield or Punxatawny), but I do know that winter is getting old about now.  I enjoy the adventure of running after a big snowfall every once in a while.  And I don't mind the challenge of running outside when the temperature hits the single digits or below.  That's part of being a Chicagoan, and part of what distinguishes us 'tough midwesterners' from the 'soft' sunbelt runners.  But enough is enough! 

I'm getting tired of looking out my window and seeing scenes like this.   The snow is piled high, and the cold is getting old.  And it's having an effect on runners. 

First, the footing is treacherous.  You don't dare push off too hard for fear of winding up on your rear end on the ground, or worse, doing a face-plant on the ice.  We were talking about it over the weekend, because we found ourselves running in Barrington for the fourth or fifth consecutive weekend.  That's because the footing in better there than the other places we run.  But it's also a more difficult course.  We enjoy getting out there, but it's never an easy long run. 

So the other day I did something I rarely do.  I jumped on the treadmill for a run.  And it went well enough that I did it again a couple days later.  I've written on my feelings about treadmills in the past.  Basically, I'm no big fan.  Running on one generally bores me.  But when the alternative is running on ice, and below zero temperatures, I guess it's not a terrible alternative. 

And what I found after a long absence from running inside, is that I was able to get a much better workout.  The running is boring, and I struggle to keep my mind occupied, but it leaves you with little to concentrate on other than pace.  And that can be a good thing.  I set the elevation up a little to better simulate running on  solid ground, and then get going about 7:30 pace.  But after ten minutes or so I start ramping it up to about 6:30.  I find myself breathing a little harder, and working a little more to keep that pace.  It's not a bad thing.  And you really can't do that outside right now. 

So what the heck. If you are stubborn like me, and have been insisting on running in the elements, you might consider giving yourself a break every once in a while, and trying something different.  It will warm up eventually!

Meantime, here is some info on a good seminar for runners coming up.  See you on the roads (or in the gym).

Dick Pond Athletics-Elmhurst 124 N. York Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 630.832.7685

Comments

[Ken]

Hi John,
I am about to break down and hit the treadmill as well. I love running outside but enough is enough already!

I run a 6 mile loop in Elmhurst and my 5th mile takes me through Berens Park. On Tuesday as I was turning along the path that runs outside of the baseball diamond, around Center field of so, I slipped on snow covered ice fell on my rear end and smacked my elbow pretty good.
I have a nice bruise there now.

Then on Thursday, running the same course, as I was approaching the same spot, I thought to myself, what are the odds of wiping out in the exact same spot?

Next thing I know, I slipped and fell again, this time face first but managed to land on both hands and my arm strength held me from a true "face plant".

I ran the loop one more time that week and this time tip-toed through that section.

After the first fall I started carrying my phone with me, ....
just in case.

I have completely given up on Tempo runs outside in this weather. I know for certain I am putting in Tempo efforts though.

Keep up the great Blog,
Maybe we'll see you again with the Dick Pond's group.

Ken P.

[John]

Ken,
Hope the bruise heals quickly. I run/live near Berens Park. I haven't hit the ice yet there, but I'll be careful. I might try to run with the Pond group this weekend.