Treadmill Dependence

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!