Running and the gym.

So, I've become one of those people I used to sit and confusedly stare at. Someone who runs on a treadmill.

I mean, seriously guys, why would people do that when they could save the extortionate amount of money it costs to be a member of the gym and run outside? Outside is so much nicer, and it's free! Why, treadmill runners, why?

So, now I'm one of them. Why? Because I'm a wimp in the heat. 37°c running? Absolutely no chuffing way am I going out to run in that when I am a fully payed up member of an air-conditioned gym. Plus, even when it's hotter in the gym than one would really like, you can have a huge bottle of water to drink from without having to traipse around your route carrying it.

Don't get me wrong, I love running outdoors, of course I do. There really is nothing better than feeling the sun/breeze/rain on your face as you run, but there comes a point where it stops being fun in the heat/humidity and I always promise myself never to do something if I'm not enjoying it. And yes, running on a treadmill can be boring, so I wouldn't say I enjoy that either, but when you can watch crappy daytime TV at the same time on the big screens, it isn't completely terrible either.

Now, brace yourself die-hard runners, because this next sentence is going to be contentious and no-doubt make you scream expletives at me.

Running on a treadmill is harder.

Calm down, calm down, and let me explain myself. In my mind, it's as simple as this:

Outdoors - run up a hill (boo), run down the other side (yaaaaaay!)
Treadmill - run up a hill (boo), run flat (yay).

Seriously, that incline button is a beast. It has definitely helped me too, for when I did eventually make it outside when the temperature dipped earlier this week, I ran my fastest ever 5km. Again, smashing my PB for the second time in two weeks. Suddenly, the relief of being able to run down a hill was all the motivation I needed, and in turn, I now hate the incline less because I know it's good for me. It's a happy little cycle right now.

Despite my new-found enjoyment of the treadmill however, the temperature has now dipped back to normal and I could not have been more excited to hit the meadows last night, nor again tonight. Treadmill, you served me well (very well, in fact), but I won't miss you when the sun hits my face as it dips down below the horizon, or when the rain cools me down as I run.

So, the outdoors will, of course, always be the best. Just don't hate on the grey, human-hamster-wheel lurking unloved at the back of every gym. It's actually alright!

This is the workout I've been using, only I've been doing it twice through to make a 40min run Thanks, popsugar. (You can click on it for the bigger image) I would highly recommend you give it a go next time you find yourself staring at one.

Opinions? I feel as though this is probably a can of worms...

Morning work outs

Right now, these are my new favourite thing. I hope it lasts, but who knows.

Why the apprehension that it may be short lived? Well, it's half term. Half term means all the time in the world for a leisurely shower and breakfast post-workout, and it means I don't have to get up at stupid-o'clock to do a morning workout before heading out the door to work. Next week, when real life kicks back in and morning workouts mean 5am starts, who knows whether this will carry on but I think it will. I always used to love it, it was the way I became addicted to fitness in the first place, and I reckon it's my way back in now.

I am still struggling, post-injury, to get back into the swing of things properly. The habits are starting to form, I'm enjoying fitness again, but I still have to make myself do it. The strong urge to exercise isn't back yet. It will though and I'm going to try mornings, even if it does mean a 5am start as of next week, as a way to really get involved again.

I love nothing more than the high I get from running or doing my new home workout to kick start my day, so I think it will be a great boost for me. Plus, it means work running late or being too tired in the evening won't stop me.

Or my alarm may go off and I may not get out of bed. Let's hope not, though...

When do you like to exercise? How do you motivate yourself to stick to your schedule?