I look out of the window, the sun is shining, and the cloudless sky glitters. It looks inviting, beautiful; however, it is deceiving because it is COLD outside!

Last week, it eventually started to snow in Stockholm. Chaos in the traffic as usual and the silence of the snow put the city under some kind of spell. If the temperature had just stayed below zero – then it would have been a beautiful landscape and people would have been able to walk on the sidewalks. But no, nature decided to play a trick on us. During the night, the temperature rose but not enough for the snow to melt away. Later in the morning it started to freeze again…

That’s the worst weather, especially if you are a runner. Snow on the ground that thaws, people walk on it and then it freezes again. What happens? Well, it gets too slippery and no matter what they do, no matter how much sand or salt they sprinkle, it is difficult to walk and impossible to run on it.

Now is the time a year when I just wish to go into hibernation. My body never seems to get used to the cold. With a sore hamstring, I won’t risk to fall again so there is only one thing to do.

The Treadmill

Usually, I promote the treadmill and most often, I don’t mind running mile after mile on that machine. However, this year, I am more reluctant, I don’t know why. So, I am writing this blog post, not only in the hope of inspiring others but also in the hope of cheering myself up a bit.

How to enjoy running on the treadmill:

First, watch something or listen to something. When I run outside, I never listen to music or anything. I want to enjoy the surroundings and running outside is like being part of nature. Inside, however, it is a totally different thing. It is monotone and the surroundings don’t change. Some fitness centers have televisions and I have sometimes watched a program that made me stay longer on the treadmill than planned because I wanted to see the end of the program. If there’s nothing to watch then listen to music or to a podcast.

Second, change both speed and elevation now and then. Running at the same pace with no elevation for more than 30 minutes is too monotone and there is higher risk of injury because your feet and knees don’t get the variation that they are used to outside (NB, this is my own theory). Also, it makes it more fun since something actually happens during your run.

Alternatives. If you can’t stand the treadmill for a longer period of time, take the advantage of trying other machines. I like the ellipse trainer, or the cross trainer. The rowing machine is also a favorite and it is good for runners to work with the upper body now and then.

Strengthen your body and your “weak” parts. There are excellent machines that used right will make you stronger. If you are not used to weight lifting, then the machines where you get support are helpful for a start. Just remember that those machines are isolating certain muscles and you miss exercising the small core muscles. Free weights and/or kettle bells are to be preferred because the instability makes more muscles work. This so-called functional training is better in the long run because it will help you in your everyday life as well. NB! It is crucial though, to use them right in order not to get injured.

Take a break. Rest your body for a week or two. I’ve heard that it should be good for you now and then and why not take the opportunity now. However, this is so difficult for me to do. I am afraid I would go mad if I didn’t exercise for several days. Well, maybe I should try it…

If you persist on running outside:

You can always put spikes on your running shoes or buy shoes with spikes, e.g. Icebug. My Icebugs are excellent when the ground is covered with even snow or ice. But with the uneven ice mixed with sand and/or gravel, well, that’s not very fun. However, if you have strong feet and strong hamstrings, go ahead!

I wish not to complain about anything. I feel happy and lucky about so many things in my life. However, writing about “luxury problems” puts them in perspective. So, I actually think I will enjoy my next run on the treadmill.

Good luck and feel free to comment on my thoughts!