I think being outside is a big part of what I love about running (the other part being that it makes me feel like a rock star :). I actually can't believe that I am just figuring this out because most of my favorite activities are outdoors:
Hiking:
Skiing!
Assorted dogtivities :)
I even prefer eating...
...and sleeping outdoors:
I feel closest to Frank when we're outside together.
And the lake is my church (I can even find pews to sit on).
I really don't mind the gym (or my basement), but I'm going to stop beating myself up about not running 6 or 10 or 15 miles at a time on the treadmill like other runners. I'd rather shuffle through a couple gizzard-freezing miles outside or go for a hike or a ski and be right with my soul than pound out a few extra annoying miles on the 'mill.
I have a headlamp and I will be breaking that sucker out for morning and night runs more often so I can get outside (and no mom, I do not need you to send me anymore pepper spray).
Do you compare yourself with other runners? I try not to but yes!
Do you run on the treadmill because you enjoy it or because you have to?
Any tips for running outside at night? I haven't done a lot of it solo living in the city...I used to run around my parents' house at night though!
1. I'm like you. I try not to, but I do.
ReplyDelete2. Because I have to.
3. I stopped running at night because it started to freak me out. My neighborhood doesn't always feel the safest for night time runs. That's why I hit the treadmill so much in the winter.
I agree about the safety thing. I may just run around the hospital by my house: security guard + lots of salt!
DeleteI would love to get outside more as well but I'm a big baby with ice...not even snow and cold but ice...ever since I broke my arm walking in a parking lot last year (because I slipped and fell) I have decided that running when there is any sort of opportunity to fall like that...not for me. I run on the treadmill because I have too...but I also don't find it extremely boring when there is good TV on.
ReplyDeleteHave mercy, I do not wish to break my arm either! I saw that in your re-cap post for 2012 and I was so sad for you. Ice is certainly a no go for me too!
DeleteNo nighttime running for me!
ReplyDeleteI do like the treadmill, but only for smaller distances. I think i only get on it when i HAVE to (crazy weather, no garmin, etc.)
I actually really don't compare to other runners. At first, i did..but running for me is not about races or much about speed - it is liiiiterally my therapy!
It is definitely great therapy, isn't it?
DeleteMy overprotective parents don't let me run outside at night :( Bummers...
ReplyDeleteTreadmill ain't my fav but sometimes you just have to :( I'm not running outside in a thunderstorm :P
I'm horrible with comparing myself to others, don't even get me started.
Yeah... I haven't run outside in a while although I probably could. Well... it should be warming up soon :P
Warming up soon and staying light longer, yay! :)
DeleteOh lord I HATE the treadmill! I only run on it when I HAVE to, or when I am too wussy to get outside if it's cold! I can't run more than 5mi on that thing..I just can't. I don't compare treadmill running, but sometimes compare outdoor running. I gotta stop that too!! For running at night..GET A buddy if you can..and get some mase or some kind of shanking device. Headlamp is great.
ReplyDeleteI will have to see about any shanking devices we may have! A buddy would be fantastic for sure.
DeleteI have to constantly remind myself that "comparison is the thief of joy" because I do compare myself to other runners. It's not healthy and it totally defeats the purpose of running!!
ReplyDeleteI use the treadmill only when I have absolutely no other alternative. I'd rather run in sub-zero or over 100 temps than run on the treadmill. But, sometimes, it's just my only option.
Love that quotation! Very true.
DeleteI totally agree - I love to run outside in the winter but often time I chicken out and just run on the treadmill. But I always feel like more of a rockstar when I get outside in the winter!
ReplyDeleteThe rockstar component to running is always critical! Hope you get some warm Florida runs in this week!!
DeleteI'm with everyone else - I run on the treadmill as little as I possibly can, saving it only for extreme conditions (thunderstorms, extreme heat, ice...not the cold, though, I can handle that!).
ReplyDeleteRunning in the dark is often the only option around here in the winter, since it's dark before 7 am and after 5 pm. My tips would be to make yourself as visible as possible (bright colors, reflective stuff), and run in areas you're familiar with and feel safe in, preferably ones that are well-lit. And be extra-aware of your surroundings, since it's harder for you to see and for others to see you (so no ipods or anything while running at night!).
Music will be hard to give up but that makes complete sense...I hadn't even thought about that actually. I "can" handle cold too, I just haven't been, that's the problem! :)
DeleteIt's always hard to not compare, but you're human. It is important to recognize your own journey.
ReplyDeleteDogitivites, blackberries, camping - we need to hang out. Enjoy getting outside, moving.
Of course be safe(r) at night, lots of reflection and if you can find a running buddy even better. Agree with Shuana, to leave the iPod behind.
The ipod is hard to part with, but you ladies are right!
DeleteI kind of enjoy the treadmill! I think because all I have to do is push a button and I'm faster!
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to call you crazy for finding joy on the treadmill. I might think it but I won't say it out loud. ;)
DeleteI think we all compare ourselves sometimes... even though we try not to. I know I do, no matter how much I try. It's a work in progress. I've been a WUSS about the cold this season. BLAEH. Hopefully it'll warm up soon!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a work in progress for me too...I used to be much better at not comparing!
DeleteThere is no comparing myself to other runners. I am well aware that i have the pace of a slug. I'm okay with that.
ReplyDeleteI am a much happier girl if I get a chance to play outside!
I think I could have written this exact post! I love all the photos of your outdoor love!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bad runner in the dark. I never wear a headlamp and rarely take a phone. My advice would be wear reflective gear and a headlamp, stick to routes you know and busier streets/neighbourhoods, and take a phone!
I run on the treadmill as I HAVE to. I would love to see how it feels to run outside.
ReplyDeleteI'm coming over to go hiking with ya girl!!!
I absolutely compare myself to other runners. It's not something that I'm proud to do, but I'm human, so I feel like it's expected. And I've become such a wuss about running outdoors in the winter. In high school, all 4 years, I ran winter track. Unfortunately, we didn't have an indoor track, so we would train outside in the snow or the freezing cold, but compete indoors at our division's track. Now, I'm doing treadmill running, but I'm hoping to eventually start running outside once we get rid of all this snow/ice.
ReplyDelete