Spinning around, around ... Running indoors
Back when I was kid, growing up in the Midwest, my sister and I hung out a lot in our family's basement.
Our basement was typical of that era — wood-paneled walls and concrete floors. It had a rec room with red shag carpet, a beat-up couch and a vintage TV/record player/radio player like the one above. The tube burned out so you couldn't get pictures anymore but the sound still worked.
The rec room was where we kept our toys and board games. During the long dreary winters the basement was where my friends and I played Monopoly after school and listened to WLS Chicago on that vintage console.
Other times I'd listen to the radio or records by myself. I would walk around and around in a giant circle, burning off energy when it was miserable outside.
I didn't realize it BUT I was doing my first indoor laps.
And the songs I was listening to on that giant, old TV unit? Well, it was like an iPod LONG before iPods existed. (Heck, Steve Jobs was just getting started!)
Those reminders of my past — doing laps in a confined space to music — came in handy when I ran 10 MILES indoors on Saturday.
Denver got a record snowstorm last Friday. My neighborhood was hit with 20 inches of snow, which turned the streets and sidewalks around my house into mini icebergs.
My gym has treadmills with 30-minute user time limits to them and an indoor track that's 10 laps to one mile. Either way, 10 miles indoors can be a chore.
I don't like running indoors but I've also taken enough face plants on icy conditions to not want to have it happened again.
The way I see it — indoor running, while not ideal, is necessary — just like having a basement rec room with shag red carpet helps you survive the bitter, cold Midwest winters of your youth.
Sometimes you gotta do, what you've gotta do, so here are my tips to help you, too.
The "Great Indoors"
The track was packed when I got there AND there were people there running longer than I was.
Huh???
I can see you scratching your heads over that concept now, even in cyberspace.
No, I wasn't the only crazy doing loads upon loads of laps.
One gal I chatted with, who's training for the Little Rock Marathon, was finishing up as I started. She did 13 miles — 7 on the track, 4 on the 'mill, followed by 2 more on the track.
Another woman I talked to is training for Ironman Canada and did 9 miles. (She started about a half hour after me.)
Here's what got me through it:
1. Connect with other people.
Just like with any long run, if you find someone to pace with and chat, it helps A LOT. That's how I found out those factoids about those two runners I just mentioned. Keep your mind occupied with good thoughts and good people, and your body will keep moving forward.
2. Come prepared.
I showed up at the track with my fuel belt, drinks and an iPod, just as I would for an outdoor long run, and I used them when needed. The iPod especially came in handy as distraction and inspiration when I didn't have anyone to talk to or when I wanted to stop but still had a long way to go.
Make sure you come with good playlists that keep you pumped up.
3. Be observant and let that be a gift to you and others.
Are you a good listener? How often do you really hear what someone has to say and take it in fully?
The same holds true for observing, not just seeing. How often do you get time in your busy day to observe people and the details of the world around you??
I know I lack in those areas more often than I like, but I find peace in myself and in others when I take the time to listen or observe.
My guess is most of us get busy these days, especially with the onset of Facebook and the planet zooming at digital speed ... all ... the ... time, and less face-to-fact contact and socializing.
Whenever I have to run indoors I allow myself to slow down mentally and watch what's going on around me. I like that. It's a treat.
A case in point: The track at my gym looks down onto a playing turf. On Saturday I got to watch two games of lacrosse. I'm guessing the first game was 12-year-olds playing; the second was 10-year-olds. The speed and hand-eye coordination it requires is impressive.
4. Give yourself mental rewards as you cover the mileage.
I ended up doing all 10 miles on the track. The way I kept track of the laps was allowing myself sip my drink after every set of 20 laps.
It wasn't the prettiest thing I've ever done compared to running outdoors but it kept the numbers straight in my head.
After I finished the whole thing, all 10 miles, I gave myself the reward of eating a Dove dark chocolate at home.
5. Use the environment and what it DOES offer to your advantage.
The indoor track is flat. For me that translates into FAST and SPEEDY when I'm feeling good, which I took advantage of on Saturday.
By comparison all the routes in my neighborhood have a 2-6 percent hill grade. Running a speedy 10 miles Saturday was a great mental boost and I took advantage of it being a hill-free zone for the day.
It also offers indoor plumbing, climate control and a water fountain — no ducking in the bushes if nature calls. There is something to be said for that.
Another example: When I have to run on the treadmill I take advantage of watching the news or other shows I might like in peace — something I don't always get to do when my kids are around.
I also take advantage of the speed settings on the treadmill. I like that I can set it at a pace — fast or slow — and not have to think about it for awhile.
6. Pay attention and be ready to switch things up as needed.
Saturday was a good day for me. The banking turns on that track never bothered my hips or joints, which is why I stayed there to get that run finished sooner.
I've been to that same track on other days and not been so lucky. Sometimes the constant turns hurt my hips. When that happens I opt for the treadmill instead or I break up a longer run between the two options.
My advice is to pay attention. Be ready for plan B.
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I never knew when I was a kid that I'd end up running as much as I do, but I'm grateful for that musty old basement with the red shag carpet and all the laps I did in it.
That place sure taught me some mental stamina I needed to keep going.
It's funny how life lesson's and memories come back around.
However, you choose to keep going yourself this winter, I hope you make it good one.
Happy trails, or treadmilling, or laps to you, too.
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Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let's go!
Mileage yesterday: 5; Mileage for 2012: 140
I'll take all the help I can get in order to get through indoor running!
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I have a tough time with indoor workouts. Fortunately here in the DC area we have had a mild winter. These are very good tips.. especially , being a good listener/observer.. I need the reminder..sometimes life gets so busy you forget to slow down. Nice post!
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