The sun peeked out from behind the clouds today just before my lunch break. I was tempted to go outside for a run, but I only packed my shorts and short sleeve shirt. You may remember that I live in California. In fact, I am a native California girl. I like my warm, sunny days. I’ll still run in the rain; I’m not a wimp or anything. I just like to have my warmer clothes. I figured I’d go for the original plan and hit the “mill”. It’s only 3 miles; I can endure that.
The guy running next to me must have thought that I was some sort of freak. I get bored running on the mill so I need to play with the buttons. During the warm up, I fiddled with my earphones. My earphones insert into the ear canal, each wire wraps around the ear and then meet the main wire at the back of the head. There is a plastic sleeve that slides up to hold the whole set up in place. I didn’t put them on correctly so the wire kept bouncing in front of me. They pulled against my face and my hand kept brushing against it. I kept running and adjusted them to the correct position. Then I worked my pace up by pushing the speed up by two after each lap. Yassos? I thought better of it, but then changed my mind a 1/2 lap into my second mile. My music was not keeping me settled, so I pulled the headphones off and ramped the speed up to 8.0 mph. I ran hard. The guy next to me finally retreated. Thump-thump-thump. Ugh! I hate that loud pounding sound you get while running on the treadmill. I was annoyed with the mill and with my mind. After a lap, I tapped the speed down by two and was happy for the slower pace. I continued to do so until I finished the 3-mile workout, each time relieved by the difference in the speed.
From the mill to the weights, I hit the machines for bit. Then I grabbed the medicine ball for some core strengthening. Finally, I grabbed 5-pound dumbbells for my arm and shoulder work. Outside the sun still peeked out just to tease me. I could have gone outside and enjoyed probably the only sun that were are going to see this week. But NO, I needed to run on the mill and do weights. By the looks of it, I would have stayed dry too.
Well, I did get a good workout. When I finally hit the stairs to return to my office, my body felt as weighed down. It was as if I was 50 pounds heavier. I think that is a good sign. I took it to mean that I did well. Tomorrow, rain or shine, I’ll be outdoors.