some things change...some things never do

Happy Wednesday friends! I'm so glad to see that we're halfway through the week. I've had a persistent cough/cold since last week and I'm ready to just get some good rest over the weekend and kick it to the curb.

Let's chat about running, because I've actually been running recently! What a concept!  Here's what has changed:

We got a fancy pants treadmill!

The Lifespan TR 1200 to be exact. When I first started running, I was strictly a treadmill runner. The outdoors seemed like a dangerous place to be. I would gladly log my miles on the ol wheel. Inevitably, I had to take it outdoors in order to train for races. The more I ran outside, the more I liked it. I ditched the treadmill except in dire situations. Once I started back at school, my running became more infrequent. Moreover, my visits to the gym? Were nonexistent. I was dishing out the money every month and never ever going. So Ryan and I talked it out and decided we would price out some treadmills and ditch the gym membership.

 Here's why I felt like getting a treadmill was a good investment: 1. It would motivate both myself and Ryan to run. 2. My work/school schedule means I'm either running most days when it's dark in the morning or dark at night. I'm okay with it every so often, but sometimes I just feel unsafe running alone or don't want to deal with inclement weather. 3. Not all my runs can be wins, but I'm totally happy even just to do 2 miles sometimes, however sometimes I'm too lazy to lace up and actually go outside to JUST do two miles.  

So, after reading reviews, we bought our mill through Best Buy, where my brother got us a sweet discount (and it was free shipping!)  Thus far, we kind of love it. As I said, I've been battling this cough, so having the treadmill has saved me from going outside to run where it feels so much worse on my lungs.  It's also been helping me with mixing up my runs. I'm not good about speedwork or hills, but it's so much easier to incorporate it when on the mill. I always put the incline on 2% too to mimic the outdoors. Ryan has definitely found his groove again, as he just ran a 2 miler in 14:56, his second mile was in 6:53! (However, both RunnerBro and I call it 'half-cheating' because he doesn't put an incline. We're half joking, half serious.  Either way, it's an awesome time).  

post-run on sunday, where I decided to do incline work. 10% running = no joke.

I'm loving the set up for the room - we have all our medals hanging, so it's great motivation. We also have a small tv mounted to watch while running. I haven't watched yet, but Ryan has. I do, however, watch my reflection in it while I run.  I make mean faces to "intimidate" myself to go faster. Today, while doing it, I also said a little, "thank goodness" for the fact I don't have broad man-shoulders. (I was wearing a tank top, and just happened to notice).  I got hot throughout, so I yelled, "FAN!' and low and behold, Ryan came in and turned on the fan for me. (Such service!)  Of course, a dance party and singing session occurred, as well.  Clearly, I'm a huge fan of the little quirks I can do in the comfort of my own home.  And the #1 thing Ryan and I agreed we are glad we can do? Run shirtless, if we so choose.  (Um, I'd still wear a sports bra, obviously). I would NEVER wear just a sports bra outside, because it's just not for me. In my own home? I totally would. It gets hot fast and no one can judge you in your own house ;)

I feel like overall, I've changed as a runner. I'm definitely running much more for the fun of it now, than for time. I still care about my time, but it doesn't make or break me. I'm taking each run as it comes and just enjoying it. I do plan to get back outside soon. I have the turkey trot on Thanksgiving, after all. (Me, RunnerSis, and RunnerSis^2 will be rocking turkey tutus!)  See? Some things don't change. I still wanna do races and wear fun outfits, but if every race isn't a PR, so be it.  

Speaking of the turkey trot, two years ago, that's where I ran my first 10k and felt like I became a true runner. I busted out these shoes the other day. These babies were the ones who got me across that finish line. (Remember them my from original blog header?)

clearly I just want to show you guys my feet today.

Here is a picture, not of my feet:

other costumes I'm good at wearing. Pretending I'm turning 21..for the second time.

It was really Ryan's little sister's birthday:

two of ryan's three sisters and I before the bday shenanigans.

And Ryan and I were super responsible, being the oldest, and took care of everyone..or...

ooooor we were major goofballs and Ryan gave me a piggyback ride..at the bar.  Normal behavior, yes?  Don't worry, we didn't drive. Ryan's other sister and her fiance were sober and drove all the silly billys around.  Thank goodness someone knows how to be more mature than us ;)

so let's recap, shall we? I am loving my treadmill, loving running with less pressure and without goals. I feel like a changed runner. But my maturity level and silly demeanor? Well, I can't ever change that.  And FYI, Ryan had a grand idea today:

a destination wedding! With puppies! You're all invited...admission: one little furry puppy please :)  Hehehe.

Let's chat:

-How have you changed as a runner? Are you training hard right now or taking it easy?

-If you run on the treadmill, do you always run with some sort of incline?

-Tell me one way you will always be a kid at heart.

-Anything exciting going on with you? Or a funny/silly thing to share?

Megan