Winter Running

Last winter I trained like a mad woman, spinning at the gym every chance I got, and running there as well. My schedule with work and kids didn't let me get outside as much as I would have liked, and I must admit, I don't like the cold any more than anyone else. Come spring, my running was terrible; I could not believe what a hit my performance took.

This winter I have been on a treadmill all of two times, and both of those were following spinning. One of those was four miles in 30 minutes, so a 7:30 pace, which is quick for me. Following some advice I read somewhere this winter (wish I could give accurate credit here, but I just can't remember), I also set the treadmill on a 1% incline, which is supposed to more accurately simulate running on the road. That was a hard run (especially after a one hour spin)!

Most of this winter I have been running outside three or four times a week, five to 10 miles. Almost always I run in my subdivision, which is concrete and very hilly. Add to that the cold, and an extra few pounds from gear (yes, every pound does make a difference!), and I consider those runs pretty difficult.

This past weekend, with temps reaching the high 60's, I was thrilled to get out to the trail, in shorts and a ball cap... I felt so light! I ran 10 miles at an average pace of 8:30. I was surprised at that pace (surprised in a good way, just in case you're wondering...). Reviewing my Forerunner, the first six or seven miles were low 8 minutes. Wow, where did that come from? Then I died the last few miles (the last mile was a 9:40 or so), pitching my average up to 8:30. So I deleted those miles and... ha, not!

Just like spinning can't replace putting in miles on the road, the treadmill just isn't the same as "real" running. The difference between last winter and this winter has proven to me that running outside (with the added negatives of cold and extra weight) not only helps maintain your base, but can also increase your performance. That's been my experience anyway. :)