Well, I must confess to owning a treadmill. I also confess to using it at various times. Especially during the winter when 20 inches of snow lay on the ground or when ice make running outside impossible.
I also used a treadmill during my convalescence period following my back surgery. I was concerned about the possibility of not being able to make it home after heading out the door for a training "walk."
But, happily, I am running again. Outside.
My treadmill stands neglected for now, but, like an old friend, I know it will be there when I need it again. Dependable. And, well, there.
However, after saying all that, I need to say this. I love running outside. Alone. I don't like the distractions that come when running with someone else. I find it throws off my stride; it throws off my ability to enjoy the run. Sorry folks, but I really prefer to run alone when I am doing my training runs.
I know that on occasion, my spouse and I will run together on a weekend and although I enjoy his company and enjoy the time we spend together, I wouldn't want to do my training run with him everyday. His stride is different; training speed different and I seem to try to match his speed and stride even though I try not to.
Some runners really enjoy training with a partner and that's fine. In fact it's probably fun for them. But then there are those of us who really prefer to train alone. That's the group I fall into.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy group training runs maybe once a week; I really enjoy the weekend races and getting together with old friends as well as making new friends. But as for depending on someone else to run with, nope, that's not my style.
The wonderful thing about running is, well, you can run as you prefer. We each decide how we choose to train. We can even change our mind and run with someone else or train alone.
If you like to train on a treadmill, well, then that is what you may do. If you prefer the outdoors; well, just slip on those shoes and head outside.
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