We spent the past weekend up in Tacoma. Pam’s sister and her husband are moving from Fort Lewis, WA to Washington, D.C. in early February and we wanted to visit one more time. Each time I visit with my brother-in-law, we talk about going for a run together. He’s thinner than me, and has to stay fit for his job, so I’ve always felt a little intimidated about running with him. But it had been a few days since my last run and I didn’t want to run on their treadmill with 3 babies at my feet, so I sucked it up and we headed out for a run.
It was a nice run. We ran 3.4 miles in 30 minutes. There were some nice climbs and downhills in the first half while the second half was totally flat. I was pleased with how I felt during the run as it was my first outside run in quite some time. Everyone says that running outside is so much harder than treadmill running, but I don’t know if I agree. My enemy on the treadmill is boredom and outside I don’t get bored at all. Couple that with a running partner and you’ve got the makings for a really nice run.
So, I’m in the process of recruiting running partners. I’ve got my training plan–my long run days are going to be Sunday mornings–I just need to find someone who wants to tag along.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Back in my running days, I was always appreciative to have a partner. I particularly liked having a buddy for accountability as well as the company. I can relate as far as getting bored on the treadmill, so my choice is to walk/run outside if the weather permits.
Mac, is there a local running club? Ours has group runs spread throughout the week – different distances and paces. Might be a good way to find a partner or two…
Runs on the treadmill definitely have the advantage of being in a controlled environment, but I always run much faster outside. So I would say that I am more successful with pushing myself on runs outside. I don’t know if that means its “easier” than running on the treadmill though.
I so agree. Even though I am a complete beginner I so much prefer running outside. That said I am shopping for a treadmill as it has been too icy to run outside.
Currently my German Shepherd is my running partner until I am “good enough” to join the local jogging group.