I cheated...and I am going to do it again!!

[jenniferleah]

 I cheated on my treadmill today...and I loved it!

Now I am not one to take to outdoor running in the rain and I have never run outdoors following a snow storm in cold weather-BUT after a very frustrating week of not getting in my normal workouts and a little inspiration from a friend-I decided to say GO FOR IT!
SO the in laws took my daughter and I laced up my running shoes-dressed in a couple layers to protect me against the 20 degree cold wind and hit the pavement.

It was just me, the road and the wind-no numbers flashing, taunting me to run faster or any incline to adjust. Just the clear, blue sky above and the sun shining down, the wind pushing against my back. The smell of fires burning to warm the homes that I passed. Several ducks in an almost frozen pond cheered me on as I ran past.

Before I knew it I had hit the end of my route and it was time to head back. Now going back was another run all together. Mostly uphill and against a raging, icy cold wind. The weather report said gusts up to 50 miles per hour today and for once the weather man was right!! But even the cold ripping through the sleeves of my fleece coat felt wonderful and I felt ALIVE!
The last steep hill on the way home would always slow me down this summer, but not today. I flew over that hill like it was nothing-not slowing my pace by a beat. I don't know if I was just so happy to be running outside today or if it is all the crazy circuit training and sprints I am doing (or a combination of both).

All I know is that I am glad I cheated. And I am going to do it again-very soon. I may even leave my TM and hope for a full on relationship with the pavement. We will see where this leads...
Happy Trails and feel free to cheat yourself :)

[pinkpanthera]

Dec. 11, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Good for you my friend :) I always LOVE it when I run outside...but the honking mower guys are definitely not my friends LOL! 

 I like TM too...as gives me the flexibility to run just "whenever"...but  I do miss the breeze and the sky!

 Keep cheating :) Its worth it.You must be feeling refreshed!

- pink.

[ajswenson]

Dec. 14, 2009 at 9:34 PM

I will you use your story for my inspiration when I do finally go outside and am wondering what the heck I'm doing outside running! LOL  Thanks for the running tips.  You are amazing!