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I signed up to run a half marathon in April so I guess that means I better start training for it, right? Yes!
Every morning the top of my to-do list says: RUN!
It is as simple as that and as Nike likes to remind me—Just Do It.
But Nike doesn’t bring me nice warm weather to run in and I am not a cold weather person. Yes, I have all the clothing and can handle temperatures in the 30s and maybe even the 20s. But when you throw snow, ice, or wind at me it just is not going to happen.
So I am forced to bring that workout inside to my treadmill, which I so lovingly refer to as my dreadmill.
I should love the fact that it is right there in my house and the convenience of being able to run on my schedule. I don’t love it though, in fact it mocks me because it is RIGHT THERE in my house. It makes me feel completely claustrophobic and the thought of running more than 3 miles on it, has me sweating more than the actual workout! I dread being the hamster on the wheel to nowhere.
Can anyone else relate?
I must start training though and in order get it done, I have to play some mind games with myself.
Here are a few things that help keep me going on the dreadmill treadmill :
- Music: For me, it must be loud and include a lot of Bon Jovi. I wear my Ipod so that I don’t wake my children. I have my running list saved so I don’t have to worry about the wrong song coming on during the workout. (I also have kids music loaded on my Ipod and nothing kills a workout worse than Laurie Berkner singing “Moon, Moon, Moon”!)
- TV: Some people might be able to watch TV or a movie during their runs. I can do this for the shorter workouts, but not for the longer ones. I end up getting annoyed by the commercials or becoming too involved in the show. I like to “feel the road”, and with TV distracting me, it is hard to do so.
- Intervals: my treadmill has some preprogrammed interval workouts to keep me from getting bored. If yours does not, you can always make up some fun ones. Try running a lap (or a period of time) as fast as you can and then jogging/walking the second lap (or period of time). Do this several times in a row and the time will just fly by!
- Gum: I only let myself chew gum during my workouts so it seems like a treat. When I am running, I can stuff a whole pack in my mouth if I want and often end up chewing it like a cow. Good thing my treadmill is in my house, right?
- Rewards at certain times or miles: I love to drink water and yes, sometimes I use it as an excuse to slow down. So, I make it a point to not drink water until after mile 1, mile 2, etc. This is my reward for making it to that specific point in my workout. (unless of course I am really thirsty–do not risk dehydration just to get to a mileage point!)
These are some of the tricks that help keep me running on the treadmill. Do you have any suggestions to help overcome indoor workout boredom?
Written on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Filed under goals, workouts.
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February 6th, 2008 at 1:16 am
[...] Original post by workoutmommy [...]
February 6th, 2008 at 1:17 am
LOL@dreadmill. One of Iowa Avenue’s members calls her home gym her “Torture Chamber.”
I wonder what other names people have for their various exercise equipment.
Good luck with the half marathon. I’m sure you’ll do great…………:)
February 6th, 2008 at 2:10 am
I’d kill for a dreadmill right now! lol!
February 6th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Really loud music gets me going. Have fun with the half marathon. Much to everyone who knows me surprise, I did one two years ago. It was challenging but so rewarding. Left me feeling like I could do ANYTHING!
February 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Happy training! I did my first half marathon back in October. It was AWESOME–seeing the finish line, that is!
http://sarahviz.blogspot.com/2007/10/half-marathon-recap.html
February 6th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Wow, a half marathon? That is AWESOME! My iPOD is a requirement for me to exercise to - great ideas.
February 6th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
“Dreadmill!” I love it! Great tips for keeping motivated while stuck on a machine.
(Boy, that time I spent on an elliptical last night just seemed to take FOREVER. I’m way too used to getting outside now.)
February 7th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I think the commercials would drive me nuts too. But I do watch tV during my runs. I am currently making my way through every episode of Buffy LOL. One episode works out to 43 minutes. Long enough for me to get in a warm up, 3 mile run, cool down and stretching. I have been known to watch 2 episodes if I want a longer workout.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Oh, this post was too funny—I love that, the dreadmill! I feel the same way about treadmills. I live in the artic cold of Montana, so I often have to choose between braving the cold or the dreadmill. Fortunately, my husband got me Yak Trax for Christmas, which enable me to run on the ice and snow without falling on my butt.
Still, I told him this was my last winter in Montana. How about running on the beach instead?
Take care,
Karly
February 7th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Good luck on training!
I’m signed up for the Disney half marathon next January and contemplating one closer to home in September. Too bad I’m recovering from surgery so training for me must wait.
But about your music, just remember, most sanctioned races don’t allow the use of headphones on the course, so don’t get too attached to your iPod. You own’t be able to use it during the half!
February 11th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Heya,
I’m signed up for a Half Marathon at the end of April too! I just started Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training for Novices, this past week. It gives a couple of days to not have to focus on running. I like the variety.
I ended up on the “dreadmill” (love it) today because I was not about to run in 25 degree weather! I have to go to the Y though and I’m always distracted by the multiple TV on the walls, on other people’s screens and the one right in front of me.
I look forward to sharing the training stories!
February 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I am a runner too, hoping to do the Marathon this year. I love the tips. I chew gum too. I just keeps my mouth from drying out. Intervals are definitely a good thing. That is something I really need to remember to do. Great site!