Long runs on the treadmill are not fun, but I’m learning to like them… at least a little bit.
At 8:30 this morning, it was 15 degrees F outside. Generally, my cold weather cut-off for an outdoor run is 30 degrees. I’m sure I could probably handle a few degrees colder, but 15 was just too frigid for me. I knew I just wouldn’t enjoy the run. Plus, the sidewalks and roads are still a mess around here.
At about 8:50, I found myself standing on the treadmill ready to run. I planned my workout around the daytime TV programming to help prevent me from losing my mind getting bored. I planned to watch Ellen, but the treadmills in front of that TV were taken, so I opted for Live! with Regis and Kelly instead. (Remember when I went to Live! with Regis and Kelly this time last year? Actually, it was exactly a year ago today!)
According to my half marathon training plan, I was supposed to run 11 miles today, but I knew I’d be bored out of my mind on the treadmill for that long, so I decided to split the mileage into two workouts. I ran 8 miles this morning, and I plan to run the final 3 mile at the gym this evening.
Here’s the workout that I used for my 8-mile run:
I stopped at 60 minutes to catch my breath and restart the treadmill to finish the final 1.33 miles. I finished in 1:12:18 (9:02 pace), which is a time that I am happy about. I’m getting faster! 
When I arrived home, I got out of the car and took a serious digger in my driveway.
Thankfully, I didn’t get hurt. I was more annoyed than anything. I’m just so sick of winter. Wah. 
Lunch
I spent a solid 15 minutes stretching in my living room before showering and making lunch. My muscles felt really tight after this morning’s run.
Today’s lunch was a variety of leftovers from the fridge: sautéed Swiss chard, Honey-Roasted Sweet Potatoes, black beans, and a couple of slices of a quesadilla that Mal ordered for take-out last night.
Murphy thought lunch looked especially delicious today.
Mmm! Mom, can I have a couple of licks?
What? You’re not going to share?
Mom, that’s lame.
After lunch, I enjoyed a special treat from my friend, Heather. She sent Mal and me an Oreo Cookie cheesecake from Anthony’s to congratulate us for completing the marathon.
Of course, I helped myself to a piece. It tasted like heaven, especially the Oreo cookie crust. A-mazing.
Thanks, Heather!!!!!
Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
I’m hosting a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt to win a really great CNC prize pack! Details here. The deadline to enter is Friday morning at 9:00 (EST).
Feel Great Weight
The past couple of weeks have really tested my motivation to exercise. See how I got myself back on track: 5 Ways to Stick With Your Winter Workouts.
How do you keep yourself motivated to exercise through the winter?
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I’m fortunate to live in California where we have decent weather year round so I don’t spend a lot of time on the TM. But when I do, I create a video playlist on my iPhone of my favorite music videos and watch them while I run. I still get my music but have something to watch to break up the boredom.
You went to the gym twice to run?? I could never motivate myself to do that!
I ran 5.25 km on the treadmill the other day for the first time in a very long time. Honestly…I don’t know how get your head around longer than 3 miles. Even with Kelly and Regis……:)
I live in Australia where there is no proper winter! I still find it hilarious when it’s 15 degrees celsius outside and no one will go out!
I’m a California girl who’s just moved to Amsterdam where it’s FREEZING in Northern Europe and I just can’t get myself to run outside. I hate the treadmill but maybe splitting my runs up will help a bit. I’ll give it a try
Tina,
What about those insanity or p90x workouts? I mean, they’re designed to be done inside. Would just having those as an option help?
E
I do some workouts at home, but my gym is so close, I usually just go there.
Winter is exactly why I have a gym membership! Oh and summer. When it’s a million degrees outside I just can’t get motivated to do anything that would make me any hotter.
I haven’t been motivated to run at all this winter. I have a 5k coming up at the beginning of March but I’ve barely done any running. I’ve mostly done workouts at home. I need to get to a treadmill somehow.
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