Trail vs. Treadmill

Or rather, outdoor running vs. indoor.

I have spent all winter running either on a treadmill or on the indoor track.  I don't mind at all.  In fact, I like running on a treadmill for the ability to force myself to new speeds during interval training.  I also like the fact that I can run no matter what the weather is doing outside.  However, there is a point when indoor running  becomes tedious.  For me, that point is about 6 miles.

If it is going to take more than an hour to do the run, it gets frustrating to have to reset the machine.  Most of the treadmills at the gym have a 60 min. max time allowed in their programming.  And, really, who wants to spend more than an hour looking at the same thing while running?

This week my long run is supposed to be 10 miles.  I usually do my long run on Mondays, but I noticed that Monday's weather is predicted to be significantly cooler than today (Saturday).  Today is one of those beautiful early spring days that makes everyone throw open the windows and head outside.  I decided to do my long run today.  Outside.

Oh, I forgot how much harder it is to run outside!  Variations in slope and running surface take their toll and I find myself having to take a walking break much more often.  Most of my run was on the side of the road, on the pavement.  That is so much more jarring on my legs and feet than the cushioned treadmill, or even the soft surface of the indoor track.  However, I love the live breeze and the sunshine!  The constantly changing view is entertaining and keeps my mind so occupied that I chew away the miles without noticing the passage of time.  My route took me up into Highland and onto the Alpine Highway before looping back through the neighborhoods and back home.  I had a real sense of accomplishment for the distance my body traveled today!  You get no perspective on distance on a treadmill.  10 miles looks the same as 5 miles on a treadmill.  10 miles actually covers A LOT of ground!

I love the sunshine and the sun/wind burn on my face!  I love the friendly wave from other joggers and cyclists you meet on the road.  I love people watching.  I watch the people in the cars that drive by, the kids playing in the neighborhoods, and the adults working in their yards.  I passed a house with two llamas staked in the front yard.  Who has llamas on a tether?!?

To be very honest, I only went 8 miles today.  Around mile 7 my legs started giving me problems.  The hard surface took its toll and I started feeling pain in my shins and feet.  When my route intersected the road I live on, I detoured for home instead of continuing for the last 2 miles.  I still have Monday to possibly do an indoor long run, or an outdoor short run to acclimate my legs to the surface.  Depending on the weather.