Back in early August, I decided to give the local river trail a run, instead of the trusty ol’ treadmill at the gym. By the time I got home, I was wrecked and bummed that it had taken so much out of me. Having run 5K on the treadmill thrice weekly for around a year, I had hoped to have a bit more stamina. However, once I Google-mapped my route, I felt a bit better knowing that I’d run closer to 6.5K. I haven’t been back to the gym since, and let my membership go.
So, two-and-a-half months later, I’m now running 10K around three times a week, and have lost around 12 pounds. I decided to use the money I was now saving on the gym membership and pick up the Nike+ iPod transponder-thingy to keep track of my runs (note: if you don’t have Nike shoes, pick up the Runaway).
I don’t have plans to run a marathon or half-marathon anytime soon; just to lose weight, improve my current time(s) and get off the couch a few times a week. The only possible downside will be shopping for a new wardrobe this spring.
Ah yes, first-world problems, indeed.
Well done! I began running in 2003 with the same gusto but am finding it harder and harder to find the time. Also, winter running in Toronto? Not so much.
I do find the gadget geekery helps, though. I have a Garmin Forerunner 405 that I need to use more.
Nice Gord, I can relate whole heartily. I currently run ~15 miles a week. All I think about on my off run days is, why the fuck am I not running today? During the last 8 years running has become my drug of choice…..