Just wanted to send out a quick thanks to all the comments regarding treadmill training! I will be on the treadmill more than I'd like in the coming months, so I appreciate the advice.
Now, let me make sure I am perfectly clear...I do realize that the treadmill is not the most effective way to train. Trust me, I don't have any aspirations of winning any races by training on it. Believe it or not, I don't really care much about winning races at all. Nor will I ever. This may come as a HUGE shock to some, but I don't even have aspirations of running the race of all races - BOSTON. (GASP!)
For me, running began as a way to keep fit and maybe lose a little weight. I like the challenge of doing something I never thought I was capable of doing. At first, finishing a 5K without falling over from exhaustion was the goal. Then a 10K, then a 1/2 marathon and finally a marathon. If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I would consider running 26.2 miles, I would have laughed and said "HELL NO!" and then proceed to ask why anyone in their right mind would EVER run 26.2 miles.
Do I want to get faster? Of course!
Do I want to push myself to do better? Yep!
Do I want to see what I am truly capable of? You bet!
Do I want to run a sub-5 marathon? You better believe it!
Do I want to PR in all distances and then try to top that? Hell Yeah!
That being said, I also have to explain that running is NOT the top priority in my life at this point in time. In fact, it probably never will be.
Spending quality time with my adorable daughter and hubby is. Work is next in line (hey, you gotta pay all those race entry fees)! Work is followed closely by school. Trust me, grad school is too damn expensive to not give 110%!
If I have the opportunity to run outdoors after work, but have to sacrifice seeing the kiddo while she's still awake or not get my homework done...I more than likely will not run. However, if having the best of all worlds means that I have to get up at the butt-crack of dawn (or stay up a little later) to get on the dreadmill while the kiddo is asleep or not run at all, then so be it - I'll run on the friggin' treadmill. The other option would be to run outdoors at those hours...that is not an option since the hubby is at work during those times and you can't exactly leave a two-year old at home alone.
So there you have it. I hate running on the treadmill. However, it sometimes is that or not run at all. If I actually get to watch the news, ER or LOST in the process, well that gives me a little more enticement. When the craziness I call grad school is over, running will move up a notch on the priority ladder. Of course by then, we will probably have dance lessons or soccer practice to go to...hell, I may be stuck on the treadmill longer than I think. If that makes me less of a runner, then oh well. I'll get over it. Just look for me in the back of the pack.
4 comments:
You've definitely got the right attitude! It's tough to balance everything you're doing. Just think that at least by running on the treadmill, you're still running and looking to improve, so there will be some improvement. Better than not doing it or not varying the routine on the treadmill. Your motivation and determination to take whatever time you have, even if it's 15 or 20 minutes, to get on the treadmill inspire me when I'm tired, it's late and I still may not have eaten. All I want to do is have a glass of wine and watch tv, but I'm trying to get your attitude and hop on my Nordic Track for 20 minutes if I wasn't able to run that day. Good luck!
Margo
I feel the same way that you do. Last summer, running on the treadmill was the only thing that kept me going because I just couldn't get myself outside in the heat on top of all my other committments.
As a fellow back-of-the-packer, I've come to accept that other people will probably look down on the way I train. I'm not consistent or disciplined enough, I'm sure. But I have other priorities in life in addition to running, so I do what I have to do to make everything balance.
:)
Yo girl! I applaude your logic and have considered doing a post on somewhat the same subject matter. Too many people put too much commodity on time, distance or quantity of runs. What most fail to understand is that it is more rewarding to do your best with your lifestyle (and in some cases, your limitations - for example, the responsibilities you have) in mind. Nothing wrong with back of the pack. The important thing is that you are out there because you WANT to be out there and you are getting there by the means availabel while living up to your responsibilities of a working mom and wife. You go!
SUPERWOMAN nails another post. I thought about you on Saturday when I was wondering about how people balance running with the rest of life. You go girl!
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