Three Miles OUTSIDE!

I have always been a treadmill runner. Something about the predictability of my pace, surroundings and sure footing made it easy to plant my treadmill in front of my big screen television, grab a bottle of cold water and put it in the cupholder, turn on the fan and run. Seems simple enough.

Unfortunately, this marathon is outside. Beyond the walls and comforts of my family room. So in addition to adding on the mileage and muscles, I need to face the weather, uneven ground and general unfamiliarity of the great outdoors. Even saying those words makes me cringe a little. It is hard to believe that running on my treadmill is a luxury, but compared to bugs, slippery pathways and August humidity, I would take that any day.

Today was our first group run ~ outside nonetheless. I think my greatest fear was pacing myself. On that front, I think I did well. I found a runner who was going what I figured to be my treadmill speed and kept up with her as best I could. Next time, I will definitly wear a watch. Either way, I managed to run the entire three miles in spite of the humidity, some rain-slippery boardwalks and general feeling of inadequacy when being passed by men and women twice my age.

I think this is a milestone for me because it proved that maybe..just maybe..this outside thing will work out. I will definitly continue to train on my treadmill but at least I know that I can manage some mileage outside.

Now, if I could only convince myself that I look like running comes naturally, rather than appearing disheveled, sweaty and ready to collapse.