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| Today's afternoon snowfall |
I had some early work that needed attention, so I didn't get to running until late morning. We saw some snow yesterday and I had little expectation that I could get outside for a run. The roads had improved, but not to the point of safety. It was back to the treadmill, once again.
Instead of music, I decided to put on Meet the Press for distraction. That helped a lot, especially the Rand Paul segment that provided some good energy-producing anger. I'd set the treadmill's speed 5% faster than yesterday's pace. It felt about the same and I hoped that would continue. Maintaining the same speed throughout yesterday's run had caused my heart rate to increase 16% by the end. Even with today's more challenging effort, I didn't reach yesterday's 88% of max.
My late start forced a shorter run than I'd usually do on a Sunday. I was fine with it, although I probably would have gone a little longer if I was running outside. Monday's temperature is supposed to rise to 37°. That, along with predictions of rain, could get rid of the snow that's been keeping me off the road for so many days (including today's mini-snowstorm). Clear roads would be a welcome sight, although a return to 11° temperatures is also part of the deal.
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i've debated over the years whether it's worth all the extra trouble (dress, timing, shoe choices, etc) to run outside on the worst days of winter. after many miles in yaktrax and even goretex shoes (with gaiters!) a few years ago, and watching runner friends who'd spent the whole winter inside running on the tm, i decided that for race performances, the latter is "better". i'd see people duck inside for 3-4 months for both running and tri races, and come out in warmer weather in great shape. i'd always hoped that running in cold temps would make me "hardier" etc, but ultimately think it only helps me adapt to those conditions at slower speeds. (for the record, i think running/racing in hot/humid conditions actually does help improve performances when temps decrease). i don't know if that's true for everyone, tho. i do think a big misconception among runners is the "one size fits all" training mentality. what works for some may not work so well for others.
ReplyDeletein any case, this year i've been back to plowing through the cold and snow with predictably (based on past observations) little to show for it. but it's just because i couldn't handle the treadmill boredom. you have some good ideas! yesterday, my husband (a non-runner) took pity and commandeered our son's ipad for me- it was fun to watch some of my favorite shows and while away the time :)
Hi Carla. I think the inside/outside running debate is more about experience rather than quality. Running outside in freezing conditions takes extra prep (as you point out) but it's likely that we get additional benefits (e.g., higher bone density) from running on surfaces harder than a treadmill's.
ReplyDeleteBoth indoor and outdoor running provide a great aerobic workout. I run more hills when I'm outdoors than when inside (even though my treadmill goes up to 12% incline). I agree a mix of training processes will yield a more rounded athlete. The positive side of boredom on the treadmill is that it builds mental toughness. At least that's what I tell myself when the tedium builds.