Healthy Chicks

[source]

Ever since I started training for my half marathon, it seems Mother Nature is not on my side. Blizzards and wintery mixes make running outside more like an obstacle course gone wrong than an enjoyable exercise. Since I hate the treadmill so damn much, I even ran outside last weekend when I knew I shouldn’t have. I was dodging three-feet piles of snow, jumping over icy paths and slipping my way along the sidewalk. Not exactly safe, to say the least.

The fact of the matter is I hate the treadmill that much. I hate it so much that I texted my dad after my awful workout complaining to him just how much I hated it. He said, “Yup, the treadmill is hard. No adrenaline.” Exactly, I thought to myself. He also told me to check out “the gym dudes” for a distraction (hehe). However, as much as I hate it, I am making it a goal for myself to let go of all that hatred and attempt to embrace the evil little machine. So yesterday I went to the gym with a positive attitude ready to tackle my three-mile treadmill run. While it still was no run in the park, it was a little bit better than usual, mostly because I came up with some little “tricks” to get me through.

So for all of you treadmill haters out there, read on so that you too can at the very least be friendly with the treadmill. It doesn’t have to be your best friend, but there’s no need for hate.

1. Mix up your running playlists – if you listen the same old tunes you’ve been running to forever, you’re bound to get bored and let your treadmill hatred get the best of you. Rather, mix up your tunes! Borrow some CDs from your friends to add onto your ‘pod or splurge on some iTunes every once in a while. My running faves of the week are “Hey Baby” and “Shut it Down” by Pitbull, “Magic” by B.O.B., “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. So go ahead and mix it up; it’s good for you in all aspects of your life.

2. Change up the pace – Running on the treadmill is much more difficult than running outside because there is no variety. Just one long and steady speed the entire way through. No scenic ponds, ever-so-glorious downhill slopes or other runners passing by. Therefore to keep yourself sane, you must change up the pace. The other day, I sprinted during the chorus of each song, and made sure to adjust the incline every now and then. It made my dreaded treadmill workout a tad more enjoyable for a change.

3. “Check out the gym dudes” – While my dad was joking, he is most definitely right. It definitely doesn’t hurt to scope out the fellow gym-goers for a little extra motivation. I must say the good-looking, sweaty men doing dead lifts in the corner aren’t bad to look at. I also like observing other toned, fit women to motivate me to go farther and faster.

4. Don’t Get Down on Yourself – The most important lesson of all is to not let the treadmill get you down. After all, it’s just a machine, and you will learn to like it eventually, even if it is just a bit. It’s easy for me to get discouraged by the treadmill while training for my first half. If three miles on the treadmill is hard for me, how the hell am I supposed to do 13.1? But deep down I know I will. I also know the snow will eventually melt, and my inspiring outdoor runs will grace me once again.

So, stay strong chickies!

Oh, and here’s a post-treadmill delicious Grilled Cheese treat. It’s heavenly, just warning you!

What ya Need:
-1 slice Ezekiel or whole grain bread of choice
-1 TB Smart Balance butter
-1 slice light Provolone cheese
-a few thin slices of plum tomato
-salt & pepper to taste

1. Heat frying pan to medium heat, and coat with butter. “Fry” slice of bread for a few minutes on each side, or until crispy.
2. Add cheese. Cover and reduce to low heat until cheese is melted.
3. Remove your grilled cheese sammie, and add on sliced tomato, salt & pepper.

Enjoy!

XoXo,