When I started running it was just for fun and to stay in shape. I never really thought that I would be one of those people who would have a race calendar, or plan vacations to do a run. I certainly never thought that I would run a marathon. You can imagine how surprised I was when I was signed up for the Rock and Roll Marathon in Raleigh. I’m even more surprised that I am going to do it again. Chrysa and I are signed up for the Buffalo Marathon!
I think I have posted on this very website that I ‘m a crappy trainer. I ‘m easily distracted by weather, food, booze, and TV. However, when the chips are down I can really rally, and get my ass in gear. Well, the marathon is in May, so let the ass in gearing begin.
Chrysa and I really kept up with our training and running while we lived in Indiana. It really wasn’t hard. We lived in a residential neighborhood so we could just step out the door and go for a run. Our apartment complex had a gym for those bad weather or cross training days. Most importantly it was the summer. We didn’t really have to plan for anything.
Things are a lot different now. We live on a rural road and the weather is… well… bad. I’m coming off a really good running season. I placed in my age group several times at several different distances and I even won a 5K. My competitive streak is kicking in and I really want to test myself in the Buffalo marathon. This race is also a chance for Chrysa to strut her stuff. The course is flat, the weather should be nice, and she rocks at longer distances.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. We have joined a gym and we are training on (gasp) TREADMILLS. We have been real spoiled up to this point. Normally we would just lace up and hit the road. Well – I have accepted the fact that those days are gone. Now we lace up, get in the car, drive to the gym, change our shoes, and run in place!
There are some pros and cons to treadmill running. The pros are easy. It can be done in all weather conditions. You can watch TV while doing it, and there is a BBQ joint up the road for afterwards. The cons are a little more tricky. For a little guy I’m a really heavy and loud runner. I have my headphones in while I am on the treadmill, but I can imagine people saying to themselves, “who is that guy thunder running on that treadmill?” I’m a little self conscious about this. There is also the hamster on the wheel syndrome. I run while looking out a widow at my car. I see the car, and I am running, but I don’t get any closer. It’s just kinda weird.
I’m sure that all the weirdness will pass and I will get used to treadmill running. I do have to say that I really like this gym. It’s associated with Chrysa’s hospital so we got a reduced rate. It has both machines and free weights for cross training, and it even has a pool and hot tub. We have been treating it like a mini spa. The staff is also super friendly. For the record, if you are in Oneonta, check out Heathlinks @FoxCare.
Begrudgingly I have to admit that we have the tools to crush this marathon. I know Chrysa is going to PR. I know my training feels well rounded and complete. We are going to get some thaw eventually. Yeah…I think I’m ready for another marathon. Just look out for the thunder runner.
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