Pros and Cons

  "There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude.  It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance."  ~Joseph Addison

Winter in Michigan this year is great for skiing not so much for running.
For me I prefer training for fall marathons over Spring.
I have a harder time running in sleet, snow and frigid temperatures than heat and rain.

I got a message this morning from "Molina" who is training for the Princess Half Marathon AND 5K:
"Question- where do you even DO a long run in weather like this? I am scared to run on snow/ice and the gym track is 1/10th mile which means 100 laps. Ouch! I'm annoyed!"

My Answer TODAY was TREADMILL/GYM. 

Last week I actually broke my run up. I did 2/3 of my run on the treadmill and then when that got totally boring I quickly headed to the track to finish the 13 miler. Running more than 8 miles alone on the track is sooo cumbersome. I get confused going around and around and lose track of my counting. I have to invest in a new watch that logs splits.
However most of us runners are die hard element runners too.

So here are my PRO's on Running Indoors In the Winter:

• Less layers..More aerodynamic! 
• Can maintain speed drills, repeats and tempo training runs with precision.
• You do not have to be weighed down by a hydration belt (Water fits well on TM)
• You can watch a movie, flip through a magazine and run
• You can place your chomps, gum and whatever you like to run with on TM.
• You have plenty of running partners if you are on a TM at a gym..They might not know it though!

CON's of Running Indoors:

• It is more difficult to have your running partner with you
• Some TM's at the gym have a time limit
• Like "Molina" you could  end up going around a indoor track about 100 TIMES!

PRO's for Running Outside in the Winter:

• There is nothing like fresh air
• You can pick your route and run where you want
• Running outside trains your body better with elevations changes, weather changes, and road conditions differing.

CON's for Running Outside in the Winter:

• The elements can cause injury: ice, sleet, and snow
• Decrease visibility 
• Risk of Hypothermia, if not dressed appropriately

RUNDOWN:
Distance: 15 miles
Pace: 8:24
Time : 2:06
I stayed on the TM for this run. The boys went with me. They went swimming and played ball. 
My TREADMILL:
I love the TV attached to the TM. 
I used the holders for my chomps, lip gloss, New Runners World magazine,tissue and water. This was very convenient for a long run to not have to carry these on my run.
I considered running part of this run on the track but I got sucked into a marathon of Walking Dead on AMC. 
My family are counting down to next Sunday when the new season begins. 
I wanted to do the cold plunge on my knees and take a shower but Austin came over and did not look well. Sympathetic for his anxiousness to get home I grabbed my bag and bolted.

I am beat up. My body is feeling today's run. I am sore and tired. But not the tired you can sleep. I have had a hard time sleeping the past few nights. This morning I was up at 6am.  All I could think about was Ariel. Everything went back to her. After church I decided to try and take a nap before my run but only fell asleep for about 15 minutes. I woke up to Austin snoring and more thoughts of Ariel.

I am Grateful though. I am Grateful for strong legs and a strong heart. I am Grateful for a heart that God fuels. I am thankful for the strength GOD has supplied me with. The Strength that gets me through physically, mentally and emotionally. I am Grateful for every thought, every drop of sweat, every step planted forward. I am Grateful. 
I am Grateful for 15 minute naps sadness and hurting knees after a 15 mile run.
I am Grateful. Are you?
What Are YOU Grateful for today??
 Please take a minute, think about it and share it with me. 

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.  It will change your life mightily.  ~Gerald Good
Anita