I am bound and determined to continue running through the Fall and Winter seasons. However, there’s a little thing called Daylight Savings that may get in the way of my happiness. Luckily, I found out recently how a local college campus might just help me with that! There’s security driving around right?! Anyway, since it’s getting colder, I decided to take stock of why I love to run outside and not indoors.
Going somewhere?
One of the reasons I like to run outside is because I feel like I’m getting somewhere. I can run whatever distance I want and have time for. I have different scenery as I run. Recently, I talked to one of my best friends who likes to run on her treadmill. She likes it because she can watch her shows and it occupies her time while on the machine. However, she has since seen the light and decided she likes to run on the trails instead of the treadmill. I knew she’d be convinced sooner or later. *insert evil laugh here* When I run outside, I like to listen to music or even take in an audiobook (yes, an audiobook while running). It takes me away to a different place and time. It passes the time and gets my imagination going.
Fresh air
I like to run outside so I can get some fresh air. Yes, it can be hotter than blazes during the summer time but usually by the time I go the temps have cooled down. I work in an office three days a week for 8 hours. Some days I will get out at lunch and visit my favorite antique store. However, there is nothing like getting out on a trail and clearing my head in the evening.
I like a challenge…
Running on the treadmill for me is boring. It’s not challenging. Getting outside and running on a trail or for distance is a challenge and I feel accomplished afterwards. I had a treadmill and had to get rid of it and trade it for an elliptical. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind owning a rowing machine someday. I have always thought it would be cool and challenging to be on a rowing team, plus I love water.
Then there’s races…
I like to run 5Ks because they aren’t very long and they are rewarding. Running outside helps me train and prepare for them. I ran in two this year and almost ran in a third. I had planned to be at the beach at that time and the Florence hit. My plans were rescheduled and it rained all weekend and I didn’t really think it would be fun to run in the rain. Anyways, I guess I’ve gotten the ‘running bug’ and love to sign up for them. I blame My Peak Challenge 🙂
My Gear
I always take my flipbelt, bluetooth headphones and insulated cup of water that I keep in my car. The flipbelt was a game changer. I toyed with the idea of getting one of those armbands to hold my phone but they never seem to work when I’m using a case. With the flipbelt, I can fit my phone my key and other things if I want. If I’m running in a race I can keep my credit card money or id if I need to. In the summer time I run in tank tops that are light and running shorts. I NEVER thought I would wear running shorts but I got over myself and wore them. They are so comfortable. If it’s slightly cool enough I will wear cropped leggings. Also, good running shoes are key. I learned this after running with my All Terrain New Balance sneakers (or tennis shoes or trainers for some of you). They were too heavy. Running shoes are so much lighter. I was lucky enough to find a Mizuno brand (which I was thinking of purchasing) at a consignment shop for $14.
Always remember…
