Long runs are hard, but they kinda suck when the only option is a treadmill. Nevertheless, I managed to suck it up and finish all 15... but it was not without a few challenges.
Issue number one was trying to figure out how to entertain myself on a treadmill for two and a half hours. Normally music is enough to get me through, but after a few songs, I couldn't help feeling like I could fall asleep from boredom. It would have made for a very long run. So, I opted, instead, for the tv. This is not something I normally do (mostly because the treadmill is too loud to really hear what's going on and turning the volume up that high during my son's nap time doesn't seem like such a great idea), but I had to give it a shot. As much as I enjoy a good stupid movie, my best option on tv was Clueless... and that just wasn't enough to help me zone out during my run. If I'm stuck with the treadmill as my best option for a long run in the future, I will clearly have to do a better job of finding something to watch.
The second problem was that I was forced to take several breaks during my run. And, while that may sound appealing for many reasons, I also think it made for a greater challenge. After all, who wants to start running again after that break? I know I sure didn't. I would have loved to simply run from start to finish, but restroom and stretching breaks were a necessity (note to self, Gatorade before a run isn't going to work for me... best to just stick with water). Sure, I probably could have skipped a few of those stretching breaks, but I also knew that I really wanted to run all 15 (since I told too many people I was planning to do it) and was a little nervous about ignoring obvious soreness in a few muscles. This is one of the main reasons I hope to not have to stop during the marathon... if I need a break at mile 20, how much am I going to want to start running again?!?
My final challenge was the one at the beginning of mile 12. My son, after sleeping for just over 2 hours, decided he was done with nap time. This, of course, was expected, but I knew it would make it difficult to finish my last 4 miles. After getting him settled in with a few toys, his juice and a new episode of the Fresh Beat Band, he was just about as happy as he could be. It was a little difficult to convince him to stay clear of the treadmill, but he was an absolute angel and gave me the chance to finish the whole 15 miles. I was even a little distracted from my workout watching him dance to the music on tv and run in place next to me ("I run, too, mommy"). As my cool down, we danced to a few Fresh Beat Band songs and my son treated me to a little bit of his singing... YIKES, I'm afraid he's got about as much talent as I do in that department. Nevertheless, he seemed to enjoy putting on a show and I'll never discourage him from that.
So, all in all, it was a fairly successful workout. But, with 8 weeks of training still ahead, I can't imagine running another 11 miles after the 15 I just finished. Why, exactly, did I think this was such a great idea??? :)
omg 15 on a treadmill, you are a champ!!!
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