After an exceptionally dry and mild November, we are now experiencing some typical German fall weather. That means 30 to 40 °F (-1 to 5 °C), rain, and strong winds or even storms. Part of me is wishing for some snow, but on the other hand snow and ice free streets make my morning commute much easier. (Edit: It’s snowing right now! But it probably won’t last. Sigh!)
As running outdoors isn’t much fun at the moment (see above), I’ve moved most of my workouts indoors. And here’s my problem: I hate running on the treadmill!
I’ve tried everything: Listening to my favorite music (latest obsession: Katzenjammer!), watching TV (sadly, the sound isn’t working), going slower, doing intervals, etc. Nothing works!
My biggest problem with the treadmill is that it’s just so freaking hard. No matter how slow I run, my heart rate quickly reaches 170 bpm and gets even higher whenever I try to go a little faster.
That’s why I’m in a dilemma right now. Biking is actually my favorite kind of cardio, so I’m tempted to just hop on one of the stationary bikes every time I’m at the gym. Plus, I can watch TV with sound on the bikes, that’s an additional bonus. On the other hand, I’d like to keep running through the winter months, so that I don’t have to start from scratch in spring.
Well, if I can’t choose between biking and treadmill running, I’ll simply do both! Just like yesterday.
The Stats (Biking):
- Distance: 6.2 miles (10,0 km)
- Time: 22:00 minutes
- Average pace: 16.9 mph
- Feeling: Awesome
The Stats (Running):
- Distance: 1.0 mile (1,6 km)
- Time: 11:20 minutes
- Average pace: 11:20 min/mile
- Feeling: Not so awesome
That’s a compromise I can live with. 
What do you prefer, biking or (treadmill) running? Are you tough enough to run outside through the winter months?
See you!
1. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just soft people.
2. The most difficult thing about running is putting on your running shoes.
That said, you can better exercise indoors than not at all! I haven’t visited the gym for several months now. I have been doing bootcamps and running trainings outdoors. (next Sunday we have the Bruggenloop Rotterdam) It’s indeed getting colder, but with the right clothing it is still pretty nice, it’s not like we are living on the north pole with minus 20/40 degrees
Keep it going
Wow, you are tough, that’s for sure. I guess I’m just a whimp.
[...] unlike my early days. But I’m still working out! During the winter, I discovered my love for the stationary bikes at my gym. I love that I can watch TV (with sound!), read a book, or my favorite blogs on the bike. It makes [...]