When the weather permits, I like to go for a run outside.
It’s a great way to keep physically fit without needing a whole bunch of extra equipment.
Unfortunately, in my local area, the weather is very unpredictable. We deal with a lot of temperature extremes and nasty weather conditioners. Our winter season tends to last for a minimum of six months and brings sub zero temperatures, bitter wind chill and an annual snow accumulation of approximately twelve feet. The summers are often brief, and the heat and humidity are brutal. The spring and fall seasons vary between hot and chilly, windy and wet. It’s difficult to dress appropriately for an outdoor workout. I frequently head out on a run, only to either shiver the whole time or realize I’m bundled up too warm. An outdoor run also offers the potential drawbacks of potholes in the road, exhaust fumes, mean dogs, traffic and bugs. There’s no access to a bathroom or water to drink. I most often end up running on the treadmill inside. While I miss the fresh air and scenery, I’m able to control my environment as well as the speed and duration of the workout. With a tap of my finger, I can increase pace and incline. The treadmill keeps track of my average speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned. There’s no uneven ground to worry about, and I have a cup holder for my water bottle. When I decide to quit, I don’t need to worry about being a mile away from home. I simply step off the treadmill.
Health and wellness