This past week was the official start to the Jeff Galloway WDW Marathon training schedule, and to make things even more interesting I was on vacation. I was at the beach for the 4th of July so it was my first test getting off the treadmill and on the road (or in this case the sand). Turns out everyone is right and three miles is way tougher on the outside. I barely made it two miles Thursday and Saturday, which were my scheduled days to run while on vacation, and that even includes walk breaks. Sure I wasn't on the best diet of barbecue and ice cream, but yesterday I got on the treadmill and I could do three miles just fine, so location DOES make all the difference.
Since someday I should be running 26.2 miles outside I know I need to keep working at it and not give up. So here's the advice I've taken into consideration:
1. Start slow It's true! Switching from treadmill to street is not a piece of cake. If you need to run slower, take more walk breaks, or even run a shorter distance that's okay.
2. Don't get discouraged Keep running outside at a regular amount per week or you will lose your momentum. Only settle for the treadmill if you are really short on time or the weather is just out of control.
3. Work around extreme weather I live in Florida so year round it is HOT. Wake up earlier to run, slow down your pace and drink a lot of water. If you can run in the summer, you can definitely run when the weather isn't so tough.
Next week I will start running one short run outside, then both short runs in August and hopefully by September I will be able to only run outside and use the treadmill if I have to.
Get outside, stay outside, but don't push yourself too hard.
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Competition begins in: 186 days
Last run: 3 miles (yesterday)
Average speed: 11.3 mins/mile
Track of the day: The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes
