IT'S MONDAY AGAIN!!! YAY!!!!! Haha, I've decided to be super optimistic about Monday. For new readers, Mondays are my long day at school where I'm gone from home from 7:30am to 7pm and I get up at 5am to hit the gym. Although honestly, I can't complain because every other day of the is more like a half day Anyway, I decided to change my attitude in hopes that I survive the day better than usual!
TODAY IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!!!!!
Yesterday I went for a run outdoors in the morning. I was up and ready to go about an hour earlier than my gym was open so I decided to run along the lakefront. Although it was windier than I expected, it wasn't too chilly! And all the blooming flowers were gorgeous! I had to stop at my turnaround and take some pictures!
However, I did not have a super run. I enjoyed my time out there, but when I looked at my pace I was shocked! I felt like I was moving it, but I came in at a pace of 9:24 min/mile for 4 miles. I started thinking about how my pace had declined significantly over the winter and realized that part of that is probably due to the fact that I did (and still do) the majority of my runs on the treadmill. Some people prefer running on the treadmill, while others call it the dreadmill and would much rather be outside. I thought I'd put together a Pro and Con list for each:
Treadmill Pros
- If an injury flares up, you can just hop off and switch to the elliptical or bike
- Weather is never an issue
- Everything you need is right there (including bathrooms )
- Easier on the knees
- You can study! Or watch TV
- Safety (no cars, darkness, sketchy people, etc.)
Treadmill Cons
- Easier than running outside
- No hills or wind (unless you increase the incline)
- Not similar to racing conditions
- Can get rather boring
Outdoor Pros
- Simulates race experience
- Better training because it's more difficult
- Mental healing effects of being outdoors and in nature
- Just walk out your door! Don't have to go to the gym (also FREE!)
Outdoor Cons
- Weather
- Safety
- No bathrooms and water can be questionable
- Harder
- If you get injured it can be difficult to get back home
So what's the verdict? I definitely prefer the treadmill overall, but I know I've become lazy on it and I was a better runner when I ran outdoors! Now that the weather is warming up, I'm hoping to get outside much more often for my runs! I think running outdoors is more beneficial for race training, and my mental health. I can never get over how beautiful the lakefront can be!
Which do you prefer: treadmill or outdoors?
Have you chosen to be in a good mood today?
