It was 100 today, so back to Gold’s Gym after work for my 3-miler.  I did my free weights first, then ran my 3 miles.  My cousin, Cheryl Salamone, is also a member at the gym, and I talked with her about my running. I asked her which is better: running first or free weights first.  She said it was up to the person, and if you’re doing long runs, then it would be best to run first, that way you don’t become exhausted when doing free weights.  I like free weights first because then I can exert all my energy into that and treat the run like a cool down. Well, after about 10 minutes on the treadmill, I was whipped, and ran off and on.

Conditions: indoors.
Results: today: 3 miles; total: 21 miles; time: 39:34, pace: 13:11
Thoughts: So, I tried the treadmill again. Didn’t like it. These extreme temps are killin’ my training.
What I’ll remember the most: Hating the treadmill.

This week is the hottest week in St. Louis weather. We are experiencing 100+ temps most the week, and running in those conditions is a big health risk. So this morning, I decided to get up mega early and hit Gold’s Gym before work. I got there at 5:30am, and ran my three miles on a treadmill. One phrase to describe it? Not good.

I’m so used to the environment, the air, the people I pass over and over, the wind, and the feeling of being in control of the ground I run on. This treadmill just doesn’t do any of that. I have a TV screen in front of me, constantly staring at a clock, and the steady speed of the machine throws me off, because I’m constantly thinking about being stable and not slipping on my stride.

I tried the 10/2 rule again, but with a treadmill, it just doesn’t work. So I just ran, taking walk breaks from time to time. I finished with a much slower time than if I was outside, but at least I got the run in, and it wasn’t 94 degrees doing it.

Conditions: indoors.
Results: today: 3 miles; total: 18 miles; time: 34:27, pace: 11:29
Thoughts: OK. This idea of getting up early to run will not work for me. I should have just ran in the park.
What I’ll remember the most: The early morning members at the gym. It was pretty packed for 5:30am!