You Really Can Run On A Treadmill

Good morning!  

This morning I did 3 miles of hill repeats on the treadmill and pushed it to 10% incline for my final minute.  That made for a long minute!  Last night I went to the gym and I did a tempo run and was finally able to push my pace below the 10 min mark.  Finally seeing a 9 in front of my pace was so gratifying, I am so ready to push myself harder.  

I can count on one hand how many times I've been able to run outside in 2013, so the treadmill has become a good friend of mine this winter.  When I first started out with the treadmill I could barely push through 2 miles and now I've done 10, just like when I started running it takes time to build up.  Tomorrow I am scheduled to run 12 miles so I am already on the lookout for a good documentary to pass the time.  When I did my tempo run last night I listened to music for the first time in forever and it really pumped me up.  I usually save my music for a race, but yesterday I needed some Bruno Mars in my life.  I thought I would share some of my tips I've learned to pass the time on the treadmill.  

My Top 5 Treadmill Tips 

1. Grab the treadmill at the gym that is facing a window, it is nice to watch what is happening outside      

2. Mix it up, every minute increase your pace and hold it for a minute then slow down for a minute.  It will build your stamina and surprisingly make the time go faster

3. Some people can read on the treadmill but I can't so I've downloaded a few audio books and I love being able to catch up on a book while I am running 

4. Podcasts are awesome to listen to while you are running and can really pass the time.  My favorite podcasts are Runner Academy and Marathon Training Academy.  

5.  If you have a phone, laptop or tablet with the ability to watch TV or movies you can catch up on some of your favorite shows or movies 

My TM in Montana, this sucker would shock me every time I went to change my pace

When I first started to do my runs on the treadmill I really thought my training and mileage was going to suffer.  I honestly did not think I was going to be able to get to a place where I could actually increase my pace and get enough miles to be prepared for the Rock and Roll Half in Portland.  It was my 2nd week in Michigan when I realized that I had 2 choices a) Be miserable and not push myself, make a bunch of excuses b) Give it my all and really conquer my treadmill phobias.  I went with option B and haven't looked back, I can actually say I enjoy running a treadmill now.  There are a lot of benefits to running a treadmill that I never noticed before.  

Top 5 Benefits to Running On a Treadmill 

1. There is always a bathroom for an unexpected potty break

2. I don't have to wear my water and nutrition for my long runs

3. Even in the dead of winter I can wear my cute summer running outfits 

4. Safety, I love knowing I can run at anytime and not worry about a car not seeing me or worse 

5. I can watch my chick flicks and food documentaries without moans and groans from Jess 

We'll be back in Oregon sometime in April and I'll be back to doing the majority of my runs outside.  Of course I can't wait to get back to my running group and of course my BRFF (Best Running Friend Forever).  I'll keep using my treadmill for my speed-work because I know I've been able to push it because of the treadmill holding my pace.  I've been able to learn what a 10 minute pace feels like and have realized that yes I can hold that for a extended period of time.  I no longer fear the treadmill but embrace her as an integral part of my running.  If you are weary of running on a treadmill or feel like there is no way you could much on a treadmill I suggest letting go of your preconceived notions and give it a shot!  That is what I had to do and I am really glad I had the chance to learn to love the treadmill.  

If you are here visiting from SkinnyRunner I am so glad you took the time to check out my baby blog!  You can follow me all sorts of ways!  

Instagram - rundaniellarun 

Pinterest - Dani Sticka/Run Daniella Run 

Twitter - Run Daniella Run 

Facebook - Run Daniella Run 

{are you sensing a theme?!}

Seriously, thank you, having you here is wonderful!  

Do you run on a treadmill regularly?    

Would you rather not run at all then have to do it on a treadmill?

What is your favorite thing about running?

- I love the feeling of pushing my body passed its comfort zone and knowing I am increasing my stamina with each run.  Plus I love the feeling of a great run, I do not know many things that match that feeling.   

What's Trending, Blue Carpet

Hi! 

This morning I finally found my way into the gym and ran about 3 miles.  I have to say I am pretty impressed with the gym at Jesse's office, its really clean and has a lot of equipment.  

It only takes about 5 minutes to get to his office which is a huge change from his usual 45-60 minute commute back in Oregon.  There was one other person using a stationary bike and I had my pick of treadmills.  I tried two different mills' because one was closer to the TV and I thought I would be able to see it better.  I decided that just wasn't working out because it wasn't close enough to the fan and I was dying from heat.  I ended up closer to the fan and just used Netflix on my phone which passed the time a lot easier than craning my neck to watch the TV.  Seriously my problems...1st world much?!

  They have a full weight rack and some private rooms where I can do my Chalean which is exciting!  A friend of mine suggested I just bring my laptop with me to do Chalean, which was genius.  Luckily there is a private space to do it otherwise I might not be to keen on the idea.  I did my workout yesterday morning in the living room and it worked just fine, plenty of room.  I only have a set of 5 lb weights here which will be fine for the days where I just didn't make it to the gym.  

Can you spot the pug?  Or are you just in to much awe over the blue carpet?  

  So I have found my motivation to get back to my running and cross training...now if I can find my motivation to cut the sugar.  Perhaps the newly found adult acne can push me in the right direction!  I kid you not I have a new zit on almost a daily basis, just as one clears up another pops up somewhere else.  I know its because of my poor food choices of late so I just need to cut back on all of the treats.  I've been giving myself a lot of wiggle room lately because of the relocation and the holidays, but seriously enough is enough!  

Do you notice your hair and skin are affected by what you are eating?  

-Since I cut out sugar most of last year and recently started to introduce it again it hasn't been pretty.  Literally, adult acne is not pretty. 

Are you embarrassed to do strength work in front of people? 

Anyone else craving some sun this winter?!  I would love a getaway to somewhere sunny right about now! 

Keep'n It Real!

Good morning! 

So I started a blog because I have always really enjoyed reading blogs, especially since becoming a runner (love saying that).  I like to see how other runners do their training and reading about their experiences.  My favorite blogs are the ones that keep it real and honest about their expectations for themselves.  Honestly my favorite blogs to read, minus Skinny Runner, are mother runners.  I feel like unless your a mom you can't fully understand the challenges you face as a mother and a runner.  I love MsFitRunner because she keeps her days with her kids so honest and she is pretty funny about their quirks.  Plus she is a huge inspiration, she is fast and so motivated and can accomplish so much with her 3 little kids at home.  What is my point with all of this, I don't really have a point I just want to explain to myself that we all can't expect to keep up with the running Jones'.  Since the Portland Marathon I have taken it easy with my runs and since the time change I have had a difficult time getting up at 5:30 to head out for my run.  Not ashamed to say that I am afraid of the dark and even with my headlamp I just don't feel comfortable out there in the pitch black.  What that means is that right now my runs are now happening while the girls are at preschool on Tuesday and Thursday, Saturdays and my treadmill.  Since I don't have the reason to get up at 5:30 I haven't been getting up and that is frustrating.  In order to be strong enough to reach my marathon goals next year I need to make cross training a priority too.  Add in Christmas obligations on top of being a mom to really busy 3 year old girls and wife to a workaholic husband I've been feeling just a tad overwhelmed.  

I know running helps me with all of these feelings but I haven't been making it a priority for the last couple of weeks and hence the circle goes round and round.  Plus I had half a bag of baked lays last night...ya that was super helpful.  I've been trying to slow things down but that is much easier said than done especially this time of year.  I decided it was time to dust this book off and read through it again, it did a lot for me a couple years ago when I first bought it.  

I don't have a ton of books in actual copy anymore because I buy them mostly through my Kindle, which I love.  I am really glad I have this book in non-Kindle form, it is a pretty book to begin with and its more of a life manual which should be out for constant reference.  I think we should all have life manuals given to us at high school graduation along with the diploma.  

I am going to shoot for 45 minutes on my treadmill this morning before we head off to Preschool, Costco, etc etc etc.  We'll see how many miles that ends up being today!  

Also tomorrow is the First Friday Holiday Run in Old Town Sherwood!  We are meeting at Sympsium at 4:45 and heading out for the run at 5:00.  I hope to see home of you there, its going to be a great fun and easy run and afterwards you can check out all there is to see at First Friday.  Wine tasting...need I say more?  

          

Happy Holidays!

Good morning!  

I can't believe so much time has gone by so quickly!  We spent Thanksgiving down in Northern California with my Mom and it was a lot of fun.  My Aunt and Uncle live down there also so we were able to spend the day all together which was a first!  

In other fun news I actually got an article published in our local paper!  I took a leap and put myself out there and it turned out that the editor liked my idea.  I am really excited about taking my first step towards becoming a writer and I love that it is in our local paper.    

Believe it or not I have been running but not as much as I would like.  Its been crazy with the holidays coming up but making it a priority is what will keep me on track.  I ran 3 miles on Tuesday and today will be a treadmill run in the garage.  I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill, grateful I have it but I always prefer running outside.  Although staying dry and being able to watch Parenthood is a nice perk!  

I have lots of fun ideas and changes coming to my blog after the new year and I am so excited.  I started this blog as a personal diary of my running and next year I have lots of fun ideas for next year with my running and I am excited and nervous about reaching those goals.  One thing I do know is that I am at my most comfortable and at ease mentally when I am on a training plan.  It causes me to eat right and rest at night and relax during my off time.  As a busy girl who loves to be doing something it takes a lot to calm me down and make me sit and running makes me do that.  If you want to be successful in your running goals you have to make the time for them and prioritize.  I am excited to start 2013 with marathon goals and see where it all takes me, running was a game changer in 2012, I see good things for 2013.  

I hope you all have a good weekend!  We have Santa arriving by helicopter tomorrow and Sherwood's tree lighting, I am so ready for Christmas!  Plus I think Santa may deliver his helper Mr. Elf today, let the fun begin!  

What are some of your goals for 2013?  

Do you set goals or resolutions?  Or neither?! 

Do you have anything going on this weekend to get ready for Christmas?

Bad Breath

Good morning!  I did 5 miles this morning while listening to an old Marathon Training Academy podcast.  I haven't listened to actual music while running in a long time, I like to listen to podcasts about running while I am running because I am freak that way.  I highly recommend the MTA podcast they cover a wide variety of topics and aren't annoying.  You all know what I am talking about.  I thought they would be enough to entertain me last night while I broke in my treadmill but I was wrong.  I am going to need some serious entertainment to keep my butt on that thing.  I ran a mile just to try it out and get a feel for my speed/pace.  

Lucy's vet visit yesterday was easy peasy.  She did great, except for the crazy spinning in circles and covering me in her hair.  She weighs 20 lbs...sigh, yes I know that is to much for a dog her size.  I should put her butt on the treadmill!  This vet also has a really funny book in their lobby that cracks me up every time.  Its called "Dog Breath", I think it's name explains what the book is about, Katherine loved it!

I was trying to get Lucy to look at me, but she was so spaztastic that just wasn't going to happen.  She laid around the house most of the day afterwards, poor little bubs.  She is back to her old tricks this morning, so all is well!  When we got home from the vet I heated up my new find from Trader Joe's.  All together now, yuuumm!  It was pretty good I have to say and a nice mid week lunch treat.   

I got some great comments from everyone about my balanced diet question and my friend and challenge group coach Amanda gave me a great website to get some answers.  I was able to figure out how many grams of protein I should be eating along with fats so I can get the most out of my workouts.  It was all laid out in pretty simple math equations and I am going to track my meals for the next few days to get an idea of where I am at.  The Chalean workout is all about creating long lean muscle tone all over your body and I want to get the most out of what I am putting into it.  Speaking of Chalean I need to still do my Push 2 today, I put off Push 1 on Monday and ended up not getting it done till yesterday, not cool bro.  

Do you track your calories/fat/proteins?  

- I never have before, this is all new!  

Burnt To a Crisp, YUM!

This morning was busy, whew!  I was able to get up and run 5 miles before everything kicked into high gear, so that was good.  I still need to work in my CLX Push 1, but that'll have to wait till much later today.  I still haven't used my treadmill...loser.  I think I'll jump on tomorrow morning instead of my outside run just to break it in.  I took some pictures so you can all see what I am talking about.  

There is really no way to make my garage look less like a garage, trust me, I've tried.  

A few weeks ago on a run I was able to listen to the audio CD that came with my Chalean and I like a lot of the information and ideas she gave.  It is all very motivating and encouraging.  One thing I am trying to implement is eating more often but smaller meals.  Which is something I would prefer since eating is my favorite pastime.  This isn't anything new, but sometimes you have to hear and hear over again to remind you it was a good idea.  

So lunch was my current favorite, roasted veggies over couscous or quinoa, whichever I made ahead for the week!  It is a really easy lunch to put together while I am making the girls their lunch and I always feel satisfied but not stuffed.  I like my veggies really roasted, or burnt, whatever.  OK many more items to tackle on Monday's list! 

Do you eat a lot of smaller meals during the day or stick to the 3 squares?