Don't Be a Phoebe

This is how I feel. I want to feel like I am running like Crowie, robotic, focused, showing no emotion. Not cramped up, hobbling with a look of constipation on my face, or worse...walking. I want good form and I want to look like a runner because I am a runner. I have never really focused on any type of form or really anything about running except getting the miles in. Well this has all changed recently.

I have been doing alot of my runs on the treadmill lately. Now, before you start in about how much you hate the treadmill, believe me, I am there with you. I do not like the treadmill either, but I am starting to like it a little more then before. I know that treadmill runs and road runs will give you different times due to the road and weather conditions, and I know I run faster on the road than on the treadmill, but this is not the point of me using a treadmill. So what is the point? The point for me is a couple of things. I have been working on cadence, speed work and mental toughness and yes, form. All of this on a treadmill run. The weather has been up and down here, but I could have done alot of these runs outside, but I do not think I would get the same workout.

I have really been focusing on cadence lately. Taking a smaller stride. I have been trying to hit that elusive number of 90. I can;t say I have been successful, but I am currently hitting a cadence of about 88 with a heart rate around 155-160. This seems to work for me. Today I had a great run, 7 miles in 1:02:17, and I felt great afterwards, like I had more in the tank. I think next time I try and speed up the pace!

I have also been doing alot of speed work. 1/2 mile repeats and different speed intervals. On a treadmill, it is much easier for me to speed up the dreadmill to the pace I want and then run it out. Again, I understand that the treadmill speed can be misleading, so do not dwell on that point as much as the part about my pace being sped up. I honestly believe this has helped me a lot.

Mental toughness is something I have been struggling with for a few seasons. What better way to get tougher by staring at wall for an hour while running. I find it tougher to run a 7 miler on a dreadmill than a 7 miler outside.

Also my form has been getting better. I have been working on keeping my hands high (nips to hips). I tend to let my arms fall to my side and I know that hurts my form and my pacing. If I do not keep my hands high while on the treadmill, I ultimately will end up hitting the stop button, launching me forward and lookin like a fool!

I am going to get outside and run, do not worry about that, but I have enjoyed these treadmill runs lately and I think I will continue to get some in going forward.  I may never look like Crowie running, or Macca, or any other professional triathlete and that's cool, but I never want to run like Phoebe!!