Yesterday I found my treadmill running groove in one of the longest runs I’ve had on it in recent months – two hours. I have no choice really. A really, really cold weather snap has finally reached Calgary. OK scratch that. I do have a choice.
Risk hypothermia or run inside where the worst thing that could happens is I can’t a good movie on Netflix? What would you do?
Last winter I ran just about everyday on the treadmill. I was in the zone. At one point, I was running 10K a day because it was so darn cold outside. Just like anything, you just have to get used to it. I only have to remind myself how much trouble I had moving the darn thing and how much money it cost.
Looking at the long range forecast, I know I won’t be running outside all week. It’s a shame because I finally bought a new headlamp. I haven’t been running at night because my old headlamp is just not cutting it. I can’t see a bloody thing. I am so paranoid about tripping over my own feet and re-injuring my ankle. Thankfully I have been able to stay upright.
That’s a big plus about running on a treadmill – I don’t have to worry about tripping or falling flat on my face. Yes I’ve seen the #treadmillfail videos on YouTube. Thankfully I have not starred in one of those videos. The trick is with the treadmill is to stay focused and keep your mind on the prize. Answer your why. Why am I doing this? What happens if I don’t do this?
I don’t want to run on the treadmill. But it’s February and it’s winter in Canada.
I’m adopting Jesse Itzler‘s mantra – Remember tomorrow. Remember tomorrow. How will you feel tomorrow when you do not follow through on a workout or a run. When you DNF in a race because you were tired, how will you feel about it tomorrow?
One of other favourite questions is – what are you doing today that will help you achieve your goal? What work are you putting in? Often I have to remind myself of my “why” when I am feeling low or when I just want to take a time out.
I don’t want to run inside on the treadmill. I want to feel the sunlight on my face or a cool breeze on a hot day. But it’s February and it’s winter in Canada.
You have to do what you got to do.
It’s not lost on me that I am very fortunate that I have a choice. I am very fortunate to have a warm place out of the cold. We have had a pretty mild winter so this cold snap isn’t really bothering me. Thankfully it’s now snowing. I couldn’t handle a snowstorm and minus 100 degrees.
Now that is just plain crazy.