From what I’ve read so far about running, one of the biggest mistakes novice runners make is pushing themselves too hard too fast (which usually results in an injury). As I mentioned in this post, my knees are my biggest concern and I know that running isn’t as gentle on my joints as something like yoga or swimming. This week I started off by running 1.5 miles on Monday and 2 miles on Thursday, and I plan to run 3.1 miles on Sunday. On in-between days I do about 30 minutes of yoga and I always try to knock off a few lunges after running (who knew I would continue with those after Booty Camp!).
On Monday I went to the gym before work and I was surprisingly the only one there! So I turned on the TV and watched music videos while I ran, since I don’t have any music on my computer (long story). And when I went running after work on Thursday there were tons of people in the gym, which is even more of a reason to drag my sorry butt out of bed early. However, when I turned on the TV to music videos Much Music was playing a show called Pretty Little Liars instead (ugh!). So I turned the TV off and was left with just a blank screen to stare at. And the time dragged by with nothing to look at except the ticking mileage.
I know you think there’s a simple solution — run outside! In the spring, summer and fall that is definitely what I will be doing but I don’t have the know-how to dress myself properly to run outside in the winter without getting sick, and with snow and ice landmines everywhere I don’t want to risk hurting myself so early in the game.
Have any tips? Is running outside in the winter not as bad or as complicated to prepare for as I think?