The last week of January was certainly quite different than the first week. I think the entire East coast (and other places) were experiencing a cold snap the first week. Now here we are the last week of the month and we are back to mild temps and I'm able to run outside again with only a short sleeve shirt. Will it last?
Actually I can not complain at all. That cold snap appeared just as I was taking my little hiatus from running so really, those cold temps didn't effect me at all. I hardly noticed them..haha!
Last week I mentioned that I started running again and I've been pretty consistent too. My plan is Tuesdays and Thursday are short runs on the Treadmill and Saturdays are runs outside.
This past Tuesday it was so nice out that I want to trade in my TM run for a run outside, but I got sidetracked. I went to my neighborhood Dollar General store to get some air freshener for work and I noticed that all their left over Christmas merchandise was only 10 cents!
I Seriously do NOT need anymore Christmas stuff but I'd be crazy NOT to buy it! I bought 6 bags of bows and 4 packages of boxes. Regular cost $26. My cost $1. I immediately told my friend Megan who loves Christmas stuff and loves the Dollar General!
During Thursday's Treadmill run, I figured out what some of my problem with the treadmill has been all these years. I always keep my treadmill set to a moderate pace (on purpose). But even at these moderate paces, I feel like it is such an effort. I guess I was always afraid of turning it up because I thought "Wow, that belt moves fast, there is no way I can keep up with that" . Turns out, I CAN keep up with a faster pace on the TM and it actually feels a bit easier for me. I guess I need to be more confident on my treadmill runs.
Saturday I took my run outside. Since I only did 3 miles last Saturday, I decided I would only bump up to 4 this Saturday (I'm a cautious runner). For the first half of this run my legs were really shaky. I don't know if this was because I did not properly warm up or because I've been use to running on the treadmill. Also, I often have problems with my neck and right shoulder. I know that this is mostly a concentration issue and if I was better at focusing my self straight ahead when I run, this may not be as aggravated . However, I was also carrying a (very small) hand held water bottle. I usually carry it in my right hand, but since I was feeling that pull in my shoulder I decided to switch it to my left hand. The same "pain" was still there. I decided that I didn't really need the water anyway so I just slipped it inside my flip belt. It's amazing how quickly that pain went away. The water bottle was very small and was not heavy. I am surprised that even holding it at all caused such discomfort.
And that's a wrap! I'm looking forward to ticking off the last few days and heading into February! That means Spring is on it's way. -M
Do you ever find that holding a water bottle (or perhaps even holding your hands a certain way) effects your run?
I definitely run slower on the treadmill! And I do think part of the reason is that I get nervous to go faster. Which is weird because I know I can slow it down at any time! As Ive been running on it more I think i have gotten more comfortable with slightly faster paces.
ReplyDeleteI think i'm going to try doing shorter runs but at a faster pace and see how that works for a while.
DeleteI haven't had that issue with my handheld water bottle but I do know that carrying it in my left hand really throws me off!
ReplyDeleteI had that problem before and thought maybe my bottle was too heavy so I got a smaller one. I think it may be just carrying ANYTHING that throws me off.
DeleteI do find that running on the treadmill can be harder than running outside. I think it's actually "seeing" the pace, rather than feeling it that causes that mental block. I agree with developing more confidence! I know some people that cover up the screen and try to run more by feel. Have you thought about trying that? I mean, obviously, you have to bump up the pace until you get to where you feel comfortable but there's no point in seeing what you're running at, right?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes to the whole water bottle thing! It does affect my run! And my shoulders! I try to switch back and forth as much as possible if I'm using a handheld but I'm on the hunt for a good hydration pack because I know I'm going to need it as the weather heats up and my mileage really increases. I'll definitely need more water than one bottle can hold and I'm not into wearing them as a belt - been there, done that, got the chafe marks to prove it. lol
I have the flip belt and the bottles that go with it so I think I will be using that from now on!
DeleteI right with you! Couldn't pass up a deal like that on Christmas stuff. I always like to stock up when things go on sale out of season. I almost always struggle on the treadmill. For some reason I just can't get my breathing right. I guess it takes more practice!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to buy more but I just don't have enough storage space!
DeleteYes about the water bottle. I hate to carry one. If I do, it has to be in my left.
ReplyDeleteShort sleeves. I can't remember - October and probably not again until June lol
Hopefully you'll be in short sleeves soon!
DeleteI can't stand carrying a bottle. I've tried switching hands, but it it throws me off. If I'm running in my neighborhood, I stash one in a certain place and loop back to it. In a race, I rely on the aid stations. Great job easing back into a running schedule. Thanks for linking!
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you can stash a bottle some place on your route!
DeleteYou know my feelings about the treadmill....every run on 'Milly feels tougher than outside LOL When I ran Route 66, I carried a small, ergonomic 8-oz bottle. I had used it in training and always alternate it between hands. But, after 26+ miles, my entire body was so sore and strained, even my arms felt it. I'm pretty sure the bottle played a factor in that. Typically, I don't carry my own water for a race, but since I had trained with it, that's what I did for that race. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI never did carry water during races but for longer ones I always worry about feeling dehydrated and not being at a water stop! But usually when I carry my own I don't need it any way!
DeleteI also switch hands with my water bottle and it has a belt that loops around my hand so I can stretch and flex my fingers even while holding it. I used to have a belt (years and years ago) but I fought with that thing always wanting to ride up from my hips that I'd rather deal with the small hand held bottle.
ReplyDeleteI watched a gal in front of me at the gym today go for well more than 45 minutes running on a treadmill (I was only there for 45 minutes and she was there before and after me). She wasn't super fast but it was a decent, even pace. Mad props to her for lasting that long.
I like when bottles have that loop. That's convenient and puts less strain on your shoulder from having to grip the bottle.
DeleteInteresting about the treadmill settings! I did not know that.
ReplyDeleteI run mostly with a backpack holding my water bottle. Short runs are OK with a handheld, but my elbow ends up bothering me if I go too long, or too many times holding one.
Oooh now i'm going to worry about my elbows hurting!
DeleteThe warmer days this week were definitely appreciated around here. Glad you ventured out as well. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! It was lovely.
DeleteThat's very interesting about the treadmill - thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteI love shopping for stuff "after" the holidays because it's when you get the best deals!
I hate shopping in general but I am usually more motivated to shop after Christmas than before!
DeleteI started using running belts because holding a water bottle would throw off my gait. It was enough whenever I tried running outside, my ITBS would act up. Now my running belt keeps the bottle against my back and it's much easier to run properly.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 different fuel belts and it amazing how different they both feel. One I love and one I will never use again!
DeleteWow on those Christmas deals! I wouldn't have been able to resist either. I find that I need to ramp up my speed on the treadmill, but then I can go pretty fast. If I try to start at a normal pace I feel like I am trying to keep up.
ReplyDeleteI guess I just need to keep working at it. It's been a while since I've used the treadmill consistently.
DeleteMega score on the Christmas stuff! I run with a handheld now but in a perfect world I wouldn't. I really don't like holding anything. I preferred wearing a fuel belt but refuse to buy a larger one. Ha!
ReplyDeleteFuel belts can be tricky too. It's a hit or miss for sure!
DeleteI too thoroughly enjoyed the mild weather last week. Being able to complete my long run outside in short sleeves on Saturday was so enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it's a sign that spring temps are on their way!
DeleteWhat speed did you have the treadmill at? I have a fear of falling on the treadmill, and recently found the "emergency stop" clip, I tested it and it works pretty good!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, TM pace is not the same as real pace at all!!
Oh yes the emergency stop. I never clip that on. Thank goodness i've never had to stop it quickly!
DeleteWeird, I started to type stuff and it disappeared. I prefer to run with nothing in my hands, although I do sometimes run with a handheld bottle and that's what I did in the past.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love pockets. You'll usually find my water bottles in my pockets.
One of the things I like about treadmills is that it allows me to control my pace better, and I find that it will bleed over into my outdoor runs, too.
And on the TM you don't have to carry anything cus you have a bottle holder right there!
DeleteWhile holding a water bottle doesn't really seem to alter my run, when I run with the dog it definitely does. Something about holding that leash ....I can't seem to swing my arm like I would normally and by the time I"m done running, my shoulder is killing me.
ReplyDeleteOh I can definitely see where holding a dog on leash could be bothersome when running!
DeleteThat's interesting about the water bottle! I should try to do more runs without it and see how it affects my gait.
ReplyDeleteI used to clench my fists really tightly when I ran, though I'm not sure why. In high school, the track coach taught us to loosen up and barely touch the pad of thumb to the pads of the first and middle finger -- like holding a potato chip! It helped!!
ReplyDeleteIf I am tense on a run I can feel it in my right shoulder/neck area.
ReplyDeleteI lock up my neck and shoulders when I run. Really, when I do anything. And I HATE carrying a bottle. HATE IT. It definitely throws me off, and I will only bring it if it is 100% necessary because it totally messes with my zen and my balance.
ReplyDelete