Before - Fitness Discovery
Yesterday, I decided that instead of driving to the gym to run of the treadmill for 20 or so minutes, I was going to try running outside. Simple enough right? Running is starting to feel more like second nature to me, and while the gym is a convenience in it’s self, I like the freedom of stepping out of my house, and going for a jog. In preparation, I downloaded the interval timer app Seconds Pro, which, by the way, is worth far more than the measly $2.99 I paid for it, and I added my running schedules for the next 10, weeks. I also went out and purchased an armband so I could carry my ipod with ease. I was excited. Instead of being in the hot crowded gym, I was going to be running freely outside, wind blowing in my hair, and whisking the sweat off of my face as I ran. This would be easier, or so I thought.
During - Fitness Discovery
I had a lot to do during the day, so I decided to run in the evening. It was perfect outside, not too cool and not too warm. Just how I like it. I left my house and started on the same course that I typically walk, only this time I would be running instead. After a 5 min warm-up, I began to slowly jog. Not to difficult, I thought to myself, so I picked up my pace and jogged at the speed I normally did on the treadmill. This was no treadmill. I was huffing and puffing after the first two minutes, and my legs were BURNING. Excuse my poor choice of words, but this sh*t was HARD. I realized that, in my excitement, as I prepared to run, it never crossed my mind that the terrain is different (more incline), I didn’t have water to sip when my throat felt parched, and there was no controlled belt under my feet propelling me forward. The latter part of my realization was confirmed in this article I later read on about.com, by my virtual running coach, Christine Luff. Fitness Discovery.
Fitness Discovery...Running on a treadmill feels somewhat easier physically because the ground is being pulled underneath your feet and there’s no wind resistance. Running outdoors demands more from your body because you’re propelling your body forward stride for stride.
All the work I thought I was doing on the treadmill, I was actually required to do running outside, just to propel myself forward. With my body working twice as hard, I had to use just as much mental fortitude to push myself to finish. If I thought the physical aspect of this challenge was hard; pressing through, despite the sweat, the runny nose (eww I know)Fitness Discovery, the burning legs and chest proved to be just as hard. I had to fight the strong urge to stop. I slowed down a bit, to jog at a more sustainable pace, and pushed forward.
After - Fitness Discovery
I didn’t stop (except to jog at cross walks), and when I finally finished (I didn’t run long, but it felt like an eternity), I felt accomplished. I had done it, and what was more rewarding than this single accomplishment, was knowing that I could do it again. And I will do it again. I think this may be the beginning of the end of my gym running days. Sure there are many benefits to running on a treadmill, and I’m sure I’ll opt for indoor running to avoid the rain, but now I actually crave the freedoms AND challenges of outdoor running.
Fitness Discovery...
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