I woke up this AM craving my normal bowl of oatmeal.
Sometimes I think about the fact that I won’t be able to make my #1 Favorite Oatmeal on our honeymoon (10 loooong days of romance, whoot whoot!) and it makes me sad. But then I remember I’ll be in Napa with Future Husband and I don’t really care anymore. 🙂
My #1 Favorite Oatmeal contains:
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large sliced banana
- Toppings: brown sugar, granola, and chopped almonds
Perfection!
Musings on Indoors or Out?
Last night’s speedwork session got me thinking about the benefits of training on a treadmill vs. training outside. As you all know, I typically run outside because I find running on a treadmill outrageously boring. However, I trained for my first 10K almost entirely inside (it was April – May in Pittsburgh).
I’ve always believed running outside is better. Here are a few reasons why:
Running outside….
- Is more challenging physically, as the treadmill tends to "push" you forward.
- Means fighting additional obstacles, like small hills, strong wind, or having to sprint to get through a break in traffic. Treadmills can’t recreate these scenarios, despite their numerous settings.
- Is more similar to "race day" conditions, allowing you to train more efficiently.
- Exposes you to NATURE instead of a TV.
- Is better because you can run with a friend or your dog. Sometimes you can’t get two treadmills next to each other at the gym, and you certainly can’t bring your dog!
- Isn’t as boring as treadmill running, so you’re more likely to do it.
- Gives you an opportunity to ‘get lost’ and extend your run; you’re more likely to stop at a certain mileage or time marker on the treadmill.
- Produces no Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, assuming your run begins at your front door, and saves gas.
Clearly, in my eyes, running outside is superior to treadmill running. However, treadmill running does have its advantages.
Treadmill runnning….
- Can be done anytime, anyplace. If you’re scared to run alone early in the AM or late at night, treadmill running is safer.
- Is great for Speedwork or Interval training, as it’s easier to measure your time and distance.
- Is necessary during the winter in cold climates.
- Is easier on your knees and other joints, as the treadmill creates a padded surface.
- Allows you to take a break or stop whenever you want. If you’re running outside and get injured halfway through a 10 mile loop—well, you’ll still got 5 miles to go.
In general, do you prefer working out indoors or outside? Have you ever trained for a race on a treadmill?
I prefer outdoors, the wife prefers the treadmill. She likes it for the speed control and the ability to see who’s hiding around that tree (because there are no trees at the gym).
I don’t mind the fear of the unknown, and will take fresh air over indoors anytime. But that’s what I get for being a programmer.