Confession time.
I have realized I have developed an unnecessary and probably
unhealthy obsession with the treadmill and I need to break the habit.
Days like yesterday and today that were just gorgeous and
yet I couldn’t bring myself to run outside, I wanted to smack myself after the
fact.
I have not been shy in sharing my stomach woes. For the
better part of two or so years I could not get through a single run without
practically crapping myself. Yes that does sound sexy I know. My ex even used
to call me “poopy pants” oh so endearing, right? I had a couple of instances
when it got better for a while but the reality was whether 2 miles or 20 I
would be stopping. I got to the point where I would be at a happy place with
just 1 stop. 4 mile race 1 bathroom stop? VICTORY. I had a half marathon where
I literally LOST TRACK of how many bathroom stops I made (and no they weren’t
unnecessary). Hell my 1:53 half marathon PR is WITH a bathroom stop.
Now I get it things could be worse. I should shut up because
I am not physically injured and am ABLE to run…but the frustrating part was that
there was no rhyme or reason to it. No physical ailment. No food allergies. I
cut out food groups trying to help. No dairy. No meat. Blah blah blah. Still
bad. Tried a cleanse. Still awful, if not worse.
Now long story short…for the past 4-5 weeks there has been a
dramatic improvement. Unexplained. Honestly I have begun tracking what I eat
while in marathon training but there is still largely the same stuff – if anything
less veggies (which I know can be troublesome but have been cut out in the past
with no help). I will take it regardless.
But now I don’t NEED that crutch of the treadmill and being
at the gym to have the safety of the bathroom…yet I find myself there for most
runs. I am having a hard time breaking from routine. I am scared I will find
myself in a sudden desperate situation praying for the best (and really do not
want to poop my pants or have to go on the side of the road in the middle of
the city).
Plus, I know that my treadmill dependence is hindering my
running. I believe that the treadmill is a great tool for training – but I have
also seen my running get worse (aka lost speed in races) over the past couple
of years and I know it is because I am not outside challenging myself. I am
making baby steps. I am trying to get to more November Project workouts – which
will be outside which will involve running outside (to and from plus during)!
Plus long runs. But if any friends want to make run dates please do – I need
all the help I can get to break the habit!
Here is to getting back out there and putting my Garmin to
good use!
I get way too dependent on the treadmill in the winter. Sorry about the stomach issues- so many runners deal with them, but it's great that you're seeing improvement! Maybe map out routes where you have guaranteed options to stop along the way? I know it's tricky in the city!
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