Y’all know that I’ve started running with the goal of completing a 5k race at the end of August. And of course since I have running on the brain when I don’t have reading on the brain, I have started finding various running blogs that I can look to for motivation.
One of these blogs is This Chick Will Run, which is written by Natalie, who also blogs at Coffee and a Book Chick, a book blog that I regularly visit and enjoy. She has also just started a running habit, and I take a lot from reading her posts and identifying with her struggles. It’s nice to know that it isn’t just me!
Anyways, through her blog I discovered Readers’ Workouts meme which is hosted at Joy’s Book Blog. This is a place to share exercise successes and challenges; and since one can never have too much support (and in my case, accountability) I thought I’d participate.
Today in Chicagoland it was 100 degrees and humid; and according to the 5k training plan I’m following I was to run 1.5 miles. I need to get comfortable with running outside but today just was not the day for that, so I went to the gym and the trusty old treadmill. I managed 1.72 miles in 25 minutes and even with the air-conditioned comfort I was still sweating buckets.
I wish the weather would cool off so that I could run more outside. The trail that I use to run/walk near my house is not lit at all so I am not crazy about using it in the early morning or later evening even when its cooler. The gym is certainly a blessing, but sadly I don’t think they will let me run the 5k race on the treadmill!
Heat definitely makes working out a challenge. Good for you for finding an alternative.
Welcome to Readers’ Workouts!
Thank you Joy. I do need to get into a routine of running outside but I’m just not fit enough (yet!) to cope with exercising in the heat.
Good luck to you. I’d much rather be outside than on a treadmill…they make me feel like a hamster on a wheel…LOL
Thank you Diane. The treadmill isn’t really my favorite piece of equipment either, but I figure I have to start somewhere. As long as I have something decent to listen to on my iPod I’m good.
I’m so bad at running on a treadmill. I’m always impressed by people who can go miles on them and not go insane!
Well, some might say I’m already insane but I get your point, Heather. A half-hour is about as long as I can take.
You aren’t the only one running nowadays. Two of my favorite bloggers and good friends have started running, and are training for a marathon as well. Good Luck to you! I know how hard this can be!
Thank you Zibilee! I’m nowhere near marathon levels — a 5k is plenty challenging for me thank you very much
You are too kind and thanks for linking my blogs to your post! I’ve been struggling lately because of a back/sciatica issue, but today is the first day I feel like it’s improving. I am crossing my fingers that I might be able to go to Hot Yoga at least, which will get me stretching.
I found that I really enjoy running as soon as the sun got much lower in the sky, even running at around 8 p.m. I thought at first I’d be wired and not be able to go to sleep, but I discovered that it was fantastic; by the time I did head to bed around 11 or so, I’d be completely ready!
Good luck with your journey and you know I’ll be cheering you on!!
Thank you Natalie, and I’m glad to hear your back is feeling better.
Once the weather gets milder I might try to run some more in the evenings, even if just around my neighborhood. Between the exercise and the fresh air I do not think sleep will be a problem