Attempting to Keep on the Move

Last week was not the most motivational week. I did not get any running accomplished. Not that I did not want to run, but when I had the time, I found much better things to do. I am starting a new week with a whole new list of reasons not to run and I want to over come a few.

Last night (Sunday, June 5) I was frustrated enough that I had not run in a while that I took action. I really did not want to  change and get shoes on to go run. I wanted to run. I bought a treadmill a few months ago (used) to help during the rain and really hot days to run. Instead of getting all geared up, I ran on the treadmill. I learned earlier in an attempt on the mill that running on a treadmill is not the same as running on pavement. For one thing, the treadmill stays at a constant speed. I always do not stay at a constant speed. When I change a little, well, I trip and fall. The treadmill is not as forgiving as my feet would hope. But, I did get some run time. Three quarter of a mile in fifteen minutes. Not breaking any records. It did feel good.

I learned an important lesson during this run, why we have developed shoes. I decided to try from past experience on the treadmill, to run barefoot. This was not a good idea. Don't run barefoot on a treadmill. The primary reason was during the run. It felt like my feet were on fire moving along the mat on the treadmill. Then, the pressure of my body weight crushing down on each foot was not the most comfortable. There is a reason we put cushioning in shoes. Our shoes are like shock absorbs. The last problem is showing today. Shoes provide support to our ankles as well as our feet. I think I tweaked my ankle a little while running. Did not feel it last night, but I have pain during walks today. Lesson learned.

I want to get in a few runs before Wednesday. I leave that day for the mission trip to the Dominican Republic. It is kinda like getting in a few runs before heart surgery. Does a whole lot a good now. But, I think with a the extra exercise and practice, the mission trip will go a whole lot better for me and everyone on the trip. Here is to a great week.