Therapy Run

Oh how I have missed running outside!! Today was the first time I've done it in weeks (not counting my race) and it was so therapeutic! I was reminded once again why I actually enjoy running. Treadmilling and running are not the same for me. Treadmilling is work. It's monotony. Pounding out the miles like a rat on a wheel. Don't get me wrong, I do in fact love my treadmill and am grateful that it allows me to continue running even when the weather is bad, it's dark outside, or most commonly, I don't have anyone to watch my kids. Still, I don't get off the treadmill and whoop for joy like I did after running the trails by my house today.

I couldn't have asked for better weather, it was cool and overcast. Perfect. My neighbor's daughter who is in 6th grade came over after school and I paid her 5 bucks to watch the kiddos while I did my little run. Best 5 bucks I've spent all week! I was planning on taking it easy and staying around a 9 minute pace but I forgot, it's so much easier to run faster when you're outside! Mile one beeped on the Garmin with an 8:49 split. I took in the gorgeous scenery, everything is so full and green right now. Mile 2 beeped at an 8:24 split. I felt like I was running through a thick wooded hallway of lush mature trees. I saw a beaver and ducks cross the trail as I neared a little pond. My lungs relished the fresh air. It was so superior to watching minutes and miles slowly tick away surrounded by the grey concrete walls of my basement. Mile three beeped at an 8:04 split and I decided that was good for today.

I slowed up and jogged another half mile back home to stretch. I could not stop smiling and felt like my babysitter was the best person in the whole world for giving me that therapeutic half hour. Tomorrow I'm sure I'll be back on the mill, but I don't mind treadmilling because it just makes my outdoor runs that much better : )