Ode to a Treadmill

After just having completed yet another treadmill workout while its freezing outside, I'm once again reminded of my love hate relationship with my treadmill. On the one hand, yes I know I'm VERY fortunate to even have this piece of equipment IN MY HOUSE no less, so I CAN run when I'm too wimpy to brave the cold, or its just too dark. On the other hand, I can hardly stand being on it...its SO BOOOORING!

I've tried music, I've tried movies,but generally the treadmill is too loud to hear anything from the tv in the basement unless I turn it up to hearing loss levels, but yet I still find it mentally difficult not only to actually do a treadmill workout, but to PUSH myself on it. I always seem to fall into...well as long as I get the mileage in, that's ok right? No speed intervals, no hills, just flat, monotonous running...

So, I guess I need to make a plan to get more out of my workouts. I do want to actually improve my running speed, so I need to start on that. Now to just find a training plan to do that.....its seems like everything I find is "couch to 5k", "how to run your 1st 5k", not "how do I kill a 5K"? I guess that's my own challenge I need to work through. I almost wish I had run in my younger days so I would have some coaching info to draw from, but alas, its just me and the Internet I fear. Maybe the local running store geeks can help come to think of it.....

Happy running!

Competition

Competition is healthy right? Well, in my case, I need some to get my butt back in gear this year.
After September's Warrior Dash, I have not done 1 single solitary race and only a handful of actual workout runs.

Why? Well, turns out going back to work full time with 2 kids to get out the door to daycare in the morning is more than a lot of work. To make it more complicated, add in trying to get dinner on the table, both kids happy, and the house somewhat in order each night makes it exceedingly difficult to find any time for me to actually exercise.

BUT, there is hope. I do feel like now that the holidays are over, that I am getting into a good routine...with that and Sawyer now about done nursing, I can actually separate from him once in a while which adds up to.....me getting in some solid treadmill time! Well, that plus an awesome husband who will put our 3 yr. old down after I get the baby to bed so I can do so about 3 times a week.

In addition, the hubs came up with a little friendly FB friend competition to get us all back to ideal training weight sooner rather than later. We've all pitched in about 50 bucks and between now and May, whoever loses the most %-wise takes the pot. Woot! And yes, I am looking forward to winning and getting an awesome new post-baby running wardrobe this spring. :) That is until I saw my sis rocking her weight loss this week. Nothing like a little competition to kick it into high gear for me! cannot wait to get the last few baby lbs. off along with some extra so I have no extra on me going into the running season.

I would LOVE to actually RACE a race this year rather than just complete a race. I've been middle of the pack generally speaking, so I'm excited to earn my new physique and put the hurt on the racing competition. Hmmm....that sounded a little mean and braggy...well, we'll see what actually happens. But I would love
to take home some AG medals this year. No time like to present to set my goals right?

Now, to just find some training plans to get back in shape and FAST at the same time.

Here's to a new year and a new, hopefully faster ME!