The Only Unoccupied Treadmill

I arrived at the gym when things were in full swing, and aaaaaall the treadmills were taken- save one. The one on the very end, the one closest to the doors, the one that everyone sees when they come inside and head to wherever they’re going. I really don’t like that one. I guess because I’m still a little self-conscious about what “other people” think when they look at me. So everyone who’s coming in, or going out, walks next to that treadmill, always looks at the person on it, and today that person was me.

Yay.

Well, whatever, I thought as I mounted it. Either I can dilly-dally around and wait for someone else to leave, or I can get straight to it. I decided to get straight to it.

Still focusing very much on my stride, I started off. And then I realized something cool- there is a mirror right next to the treadmill, on the door that leads to the Big Boss’s office. A full length mirror. And I’m right next to it, in perfect position to check out my stride, and see if I’m doing it right.

I’ll tell ya, there’s nothing quite like checking yourself out when you’re running.

It definitely was a help in making sure I’m landing right. I can see that I need to work more on the heel-to-butt thing and more of a forward stride. I’m doing alright, though. Minimal pain in my ankle, and I feel better running altogether.

I think I might pick that treadmill again tomorrow…

I have two goals in mind for next week (and beyond); the first is going to be more about distance than time. A 5K is 3.1 miles and so far, I haven’t cleared 2.3 miles on the treadmill. I need to focus on making that distance; the race is about six weeks away. I usually give myself 30 minutes total on the treadmill and when the clock winds down, so do I. So I think it’s time to move forward with the distance thing and worry less about how many minutes total I’m running each day. Of course I’ll still keep a record of it, because I’m curious, but if I don’t start hitting that 3.1 mark, I’m going to be in for a surprise when I actually go do the 5K!

The other goal I have in mind is to start incorporating weight lifting into my workout. I know that I said I didn’t care about my weight so much as I do my performance, and getting healthier, but honestly, the weight is a strain on my frame and it does need to be reduced. I know that doing weight lifting and cardio helps with weight loss. And I’m feeling pretty good- my energy is good, my motivation is solid- I think I can do it now and not feel overwhelmed.

I also really like the Stairmaster, and want to add that to my workout three times a week.

So that’s where I am today! Today was a GOOD day :)