Ahhh, bummer about that yogurt being regional in a region where I am not!
@FallGirl - we’re also south of Sarasota, but further south than you’ll be. We’re having dinner Monday night in Venice (it’s about half way) with friends who spend 3 months in Sarasota. I really like where we are, but it’s an island, with a $6.00 toll every time you cross the bridge. H is all about making as few trips “off island” as possible. (Love the man dearly, but sometimes he can be a little penny-wise and pound-foolish.)
I’m not one to rave about yogurt, but Ellenos tastes like gelato to me, but it’s greek yogurt. I went to the store to get an evil treat and ended up with yogurt instead of a brownie. And it was better!
That’s great to be able to measure your increase in fitness like that, dmd77!
Had a pretty successful week with a couple treadmill runs,some strength training, and a few long walks. Looking forward to tomorrow, it’s supposed to be near 50° here in northern Connecticut. I can’t remember the last time I ran outside. Before Christmas, I think! Do you all find treadmill runs “easier” than road runs? I sure do. Is there science behind that or is it just an illusion?? I think I’m in for a rude awakening…
Just saw an article referencing some studies that concluded that there’s really no difference in energy expenditure between running on a treadmill and outdoors at the same speed, gradient and climate/weather conditions. There are perceived differences due to the psychosis induced by prolonged indoor cardio that just seems to never end :D.
I have a friend with a treadmill in her house. She lives very close to a wonderful rec path – and yet she always runs on the treadmill. The one time she ran outside she was very nervous (I have no idea why). She really likes watching TV while running. Whenever I visit her I run outside on the rec path. She’s bit of a control freak, and probably likes being able to set and know her pace.
I have another friend who is an exercise fanatic, but never exercises outside. She is exclusively a gym person. It could be a gorgeous day, but she’d spend 3 hours in the gym and be happy as a clam.
I prefer running outside to get fresh air, sunshine and views. But I’m not opposed to running on a treadmill when the weather is bad.
Feel better, Lizardly. Please take care of yourself, CountingDpwn. And good for you, dmd, for such improvement! I hiked in Palm Springs in November, and loved it.
Ohio- Lots of Florida runners rely on treadmill many months of the year- due to heat. I have a marathoner friend in Miami who is thrilled when she can get outside! She has some asthma problems besides the heat. She does 20 mile runs on her treadmill.
I had a treadmill for some years after my knee surgery, when I really needed a predictable soft surface. As I recovered fitness, though, I came to see it as an incentive to run outside. I really hated it.
These are the reasons some of my friends prefer treadmills: inside, not dark, safer from traffic, no catcalling, no one sees them run (a common reason from friends who are overweight), don’t like unevenness of roads.
8.3 flat and pretty Florida miles. I have some nice routes down here. I didn’t carry with after, but it was 63 to start and I was ok without it. Off to the beach!
Not the beach here, BUT we might see 60 today! Nice long walk this morning with the pup followed by me giving him a bath. Will hit the pavement later myself!
I think a treadmill can be a “security” - as fireandrain said, security in setting your pace and knowing your exact input (time etc). Security in not having to deal with any uncontrollable elements like mud, acorns, sticks, ice, traffic, other people in your way, etc. Security in not having to deal with how you dress - shorts and a tshirt always works! Even security in not being seen - sounds silly but for a long time I was insecure about how I might be judged being seen in my neighborhood. Finally, running outside sort of seems more “real” in an unsecure way - “that trail is REALLY long, I don’t know if I can make it!”“If I run from point A to point B will I be able to make it back?” - that kind of think. The treadmill is a very small little world you can control.
I know these things because I experienced them! But also, I know that some people just plain like treadmills - and if it works - they absolutely should. I just fall into boredom SUPER quick. I need the fresh air, the scenery - distractions!
3 mile beach walk, sans pup. About 5 minutes before I left the beach to walk back on the rec path I found a whole sand dollar! (OK, it’s 99% whole with the smallest little chip in the edge.) Woot, woot! Check that off my beach bucket list!!! It was also a bonanza day for sharks’ teeth.
IMO, running outside is harder than running on the treadmill. In my case it’s likely because it’s easier to control the pace on the treadmill; I’m pretty sure I end up running faster outside. I use a treadmill at the gym during the winter (at least when we’re in New England) and during the summer when it’s too hot outside.
No worries, @MomofWildChild – you’re only down for a short visit. @PlantMom – we’re in Boca Grande. Very close to Captiva as the crow flies, but a longer drive. One year, when D & S were still spending their spring breaks with us, we rented a place on North Captiva. You can only get there by boat, and there are no vehicles except golf carts on the island. We had to bring all our food with us for the week – no grocery stores. It was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to own a place there.
We’ve been having amazing weather – hope it holds for other people’s visits, too.
CBB- if you get a chance, check out Matlacha on Pine Island. It’s a small artist community with bright colored buildings and cute shops. Sort of low key Key West.
Well my outdoor run was actually pretty awesome! No idea on pace but pup and I went a short-ish 2.7 or so. Taking her kept me out of my head and gave me a good distraction. The fresh air felt wonderful!!
Not to derail but to all the dog people on this thread (I think I remember @dmd77 popping in), what are your thoughts on running with your furry friend? I’ve read conflicting advice. Pup is 8 months (she was 8 weeks in my avatar) now and I’m hoping for her to be my sidekick once the spring comes. I’m careful to keep her on the grass as I am on the road…She’s just doing an easy “lope” by my side, she’s got more energy than me!
Like I said I don’t mean to derail so by all means pm me or tell me to start another thread…
My corgi beagle’s legs are too short for too much of a run - not to mention his age! I wonder if it depends on the breed as well as if it’s something they “learned” younger. I do think you need to consider hydrating your dog as well if you do run with them - and their nutrition!
But we do sometimes run a block here and there when on our walk!
@JustaMom5465 – conditioning a dog for running, especially on leash for long distances, takes time, just like it does for humans. I’m fortunate that a running friend who is a vet also runs with her dog. She’s been very helpful with advice! (She did half marathons with her dog, although he’s now 12, and they’re switching to 5Ks.)
Start slow and easy. Think couch to fiveK slow.
Three short runs a week to start.
Watch your dog afterwards. Does he sleep all day and wake up stiff? If so, back off. If he sleeps for half an hour and wakes up ready to play, you’re good, but increase slowly!
Watch your dog as you get your running clothes on. Is he enthusiastic? Ready to run? Wary?
If you can’t let your dog off leash, use a harness that doesn’t impede the shoulders and has a center back attachment for the leash. Change which hand holds the leash at regular intervals to avoid asymmetrical muscle development.
Most puppies should not do long runs (more than two miles) until they’ve finished puberty. If you plan to do regular runs, wait to neuter the dog (or spay) until full sexual maturity, as that is best to prevent bone/muscle development issues (according to my vet and my running vet friend).
I think that covers what I’ve been told–feel free to ask questions! My dog is now 5 1/2 years old and we run about 20 miles a week together. Standard poodle. My older dog (10 1/2, also standard poodle) let me know about a year ago that she’d rather just have a nice walk. So I run with one dog in the morning and walk with both in the afternoon.
