This winter I predict I'll be running on a treadmill quite frequently. It is just so much easier for everyone - have you ever tried to push a double jogger on packed snow and ice? Not an easy undertaking.
With the new year comes New Year Resolutions and as a result a busier, more hectic fitness center. The cardio machines are hot items and the staff has thereby started to use a sign-up sheet, limiting ones use to 30 min. Fortunately, I generally go to the gym at a time when they aren't at capacity and I've pushed this to 35-40 minutes. My thought though is that if my training plan calls for a longer run, I'll play the game and hop off only to hop back on another if push comes to shove.
I haven't really started a new plan just yet... I basically took the entire month of December off for recovery and festivity. This week my goal is to get back into the swing of things so I wanted to cover at least 4 miles. I wanted a little variety to the treadmill workout today so I opted for a random program that incorporated some hill work (incline 0.0-3.0). I really tried to push the pace and maintained 8:41 for about 50% of the program. I stopped a couple of times to get a drink of water at the fountain and then resumed pace.
In the middle, there was a long stretch at 0.0 incline and it felt like I was running downhill so I increased the pace to 8:34. When I started to climb again, I slowed back to 8:41/8:49. When I was finished, however, the workout summary said I averaged 9:05. This seems a little strange because as I was actively running, I always had the mph set between 6.8 - 7.0. I didn't think the few times I stopped would effect the pace so much.
After the 30 min workout, I ran for another 5 minutes (which should have been a cool-down) but I really wanted to hit 4 miles, so I just kept going. As it was, the total distance was 3.88. I guess I'll just have to try harder. Run faster. Bring my own water so I don't have to get off the treadmill.
Yea, I'm looking at the treadmill today myself. I had to bring my clothes for a lunch run because I'm trying to make up hours due to the holidays. By the time I get home, cook dinner, and get ready to go, its 8:30-9 PM, and that's just too late to run in these freezing temps outside. It is nice and shiny today. Maybe I'll run outside instead of on the treadmill. It's 34 degrees and I didn't bring enough clothes :-) Thrillmill it is!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll hit the treadmill this afternoon! I took December off as well and need to build up to my measly 3.1 miles again. It's amazing how quickly I lose it if I don't use it. It does come back fast, and by the end of next week I should be able to push myself a little harder & further.
ReplyDeleteI really do find it much more difficult to run on the treadmill than the street. I am not quite sure what it is. But fortunately the gym has an indoor track so I use that as much as I can!
ReplyDeleteI know you posted this at the beginning of the month but I have to tell you -- I was so surprised that my gym has emptied out and it's only three weeks into New Years Resolutions time! I'm so glad to have "reclaimed" the gym back!
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