Recently, I did something I swore I'd never do again: I ran on a treadmill.
When it comes to running in crappy weather, I say "bring it on." I've run in blinding snow, driving rain, wind chills below zero, temps in the mid-90s. But last week, our slushy streets and sidewalks turned to ice, leaving treacherous ruts and iced-over surfaces So I grabbed a duffel bag, threw in my running stuff and water bottle, and headed to the gym.
I despise running on a treadmill. I don't like the boredom. I don't like those digital readouts. (As if they had a will of their own, my eyes wander to the numbers, and it's demoralizing to find out I've only run 1.73 miles when I'm sure I logged at least 3.) And I use treadmills so infrequently that last week, I had to ask another treadmiller how to turn it on.
But the biggest reason is that I think I get a better workout outdoors. For one, it's harder. I enjoy the changing scenery and sounds. I like the challenge of "toughing it out" against inclement weather. I put on my visor, strap on my watch, stuff some NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes into my pocket, and I'm good to go.
A story in The New York Times today supports my claim – sort of. The article says that on the treadmill, you're missing the uneven surfaces and wind resistance of outdoor running. Even cyclists are at a disadvantage, because when they ride stationary bikes or trainers (bike stands that attach to your normal bike) they're not exercising the muscles necessary for steering and stability. And a rowing machine (or "ergometer," as rowers refer to them) doesn't match the true experience of holding an oar in an unstable boat.
But the article also says there are plenty who find appeal and advantages in indoor exercise. My neighbor Maureen is one of them. Maureen loves running on a treadmill because she finds it's easier to do speed work than if she were running outside. Also, she's able to simulate hill workouts by using the incline function. Another detractor is Lisa, a co-worker. Although she uses her trainer in the winter, it doesn't seem to have hindered her fitness: Last summer, she rode 300 miles over three days.
I guess the bottom line is: Do what works for you. The main point is moving that body.
As for me? I think now that temps are in the 30s and 40s here in Michigan, I don't see myself using a treadmill except for on the rarest of occasions. But if my neighbor starts beating me in the races we run together, then tell me again: How do you turn them on?
In yesterday's post, Nick Katsarelas, an editor at Amway Global, an avid runner, and a NUTRILITE consumer, wrote about the consequences of running, unprepared, in the dark. Today's post wraps up the two-part series.
Whether you're walking, walking a dog, running, cross-country skiing, or inline skating, don't take chances by exercising in the dark without the proper gear. Today I'll review the many tools, gadgets, and apparel that can help you see everything around you, and make sure you're seen by everyone around you.
Bike lights: If you're riding at night, your bike should have lights on the front and back of the bike, plus reflectors between the spokes and on the pedals. (Consider pulsating lights, as well.) LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the light source of choice for many light manufacturers because of their high efficiency and longer battery life. These lights can be powered by solar cells, batteries, or generators. You can buy a decent light for less than $30, or spend as much as $640, the cost of the Nite Rider® Pro1200, which comes with a software screen and numerous programmable functions.
Headlamps: I've seen more and more runners wearing these headlamps. Most are simply headbands with a battery-operated light affixed to the front. Some models have an additional strap that runs from the lamp, over the skull, to the back of the band, for better fit. Others are of the plain-Jane variety: lights that clip onto the bill of a baseball cap. Many models feature adjustable lights, and some are water resistant or waterproof. (If you're an any-kind-of-weather runner, I'd choose a waterproof model.) You can spend as little as $10 for the clip-on models or as much as $70 for top-of-the-line headlamps. Frankly, I think these would be too confining. I'd just use a flashlight and aim it at the path in front of me.
Light-up jackets: How cool are these? StrideLite® + CycLite® make a line of Strob-Lite® jackets for runners and cyclists that feature strobe-light electroluminescent lamps that, the company says, are visible a quarter-of-a-mile away. The strobe and reflective stripes would make you hard to miss. (The companies also make a lighted umbrella and strobe light safety belt.) But expect to pay $175 for these jackets.
Reflective apparel: For years, running shoes have featured reflective strips for night time visibility. But now your whole running ensemble can glow, thanks to companies flooding the market with reflective apparel. And wearing reflective gear is a must.
You can spend a couple of hours online checking out all the reflective apparel available. Here's a partial list of reflective clothing and gear, and the prices you can expect to pay:
Hats, snow caps, and headbands: $14-$30
Gloves: $15-$30
Jackets: $50-$150
Shirts: $25-$80
Vests: $15-$60
Pants: $30-$80
Shorts: $25-$35
Laces: $2-$10
Shoe pockets: $6
Socks: $10
Stick- and iron-on reflective tape and dots: You might also consider purchasing reflective stick-on or iron-on tape or dots, even sew-on reflective fabric. (At the risk of offending any of my readers, I can't imagine anyone spending the time to sew these things on.) $5-$15.
Miscellaneous: You can also find a bevy of snap-on bands, arm and leg bands, belts, and flashing strobe lights. $5-$15.
Pets: If they make it for people, you can find it for dogs: There are reflective pet collars, jackets, harnesses, and bandanas. There's a guy in my neighborhood who walks a dog with a light on his collar. That guy blends in nicely with the darkness, but you can't miss his dog. $10-$30.
Alarms: You might also consider a panic alarm. These devices come with both piercing alarms and flashing lights, and can be held in your hand, worn on your belt or jacket, or strapped to your arm. Not only could it repel a would-be attacker, it can be used to draw attention in case of a medical emergency. I've seen these at hardware stores, but most sporting goods stores will carry them, as well. $10-$20.
Epilogue: I no longer run on the bike path at night. Instead, I run half-mile loops in my neighborhood. (The streets are well lit.) I wear a jacket with reflective striping, and a reflective safety belt that criss-crosses my back and chest. The hardest thing about my nightly runs isn't the boredom; it's keeping track of the laps.
Today's columnist is Nick Katsarelas, an Amway Global editor, an avid runner, and a consumer of six different NUTRILITE supplements.
In the fall of 2007, I went for a five-mile run along the bike path that runs near our house. Dusk was closing in, but my first half-marathon was two weeks away, and I wanted to rack up some more mileage.
Thinking I'd be back before dark, I declined the advice of my wife to "take a flashlight along, just in case." As it turned out, I was running in the dark for the last mile or so. The bike path isn't lit, and I relied on ambient light from houses or the occasional passing car to light my way. I could barely make out the path. I was concerned about stepping into an indenture. Since I was doing a "there and back" run, I was also wracking my brain to remember if there was anything on the way out that I might trip on.
I was only a quarter-mile from home when it happened: I stepped on a fallen tree limb. The full force of my 185 pounds came down on a right – and soon to be broken – ankle that was bent sideways. I thought it was a bad sprain. I limped-hopped the rest of the way home, hoping that the path in front of me was clear.
I was so embarrassed at not taking Pam's advice that I quickly showered, put my ankle on ice, sat down with my foot elevated on an ottoman, covered it with a blanket … and said nothing to my wife. One of my children, however, ratted me out. Pam was restrained, and insisted we pay a visit to the med clinic.
I spent the next 13 weeks with my right foot in a boot. I gained 13 pounds. And it was a full four months before I was able to run again.
Whether by choice, work schedules, or family obligations, many fitness enthusiasts can only get outside after dusk or before dawn. The risks are manifold, from unseen potholes to cars and cyclists who don't see you, to fallen tree limbs. In tomorrow's post, I'll review the many tools, apparel, and gadgets that can enable all of us to see, be seen, and, in the case of an emergency, be heard.
I despise running on a treadmill. I don't like the boredom. I don't like those digital readouts. (As if they had a will of their own, my eyes wander to the numbers, and it's demoralizing to find out I've only run 1.73 miles when I'm sure I logged at least 3.) And I use treadmills so infrequently that last week, I had to ask another treadmiller how to turn it on. 
But the article also says there are plenty who find appeal and advantages in indoor exercise. My neighbor Maureen is one of them. Maureen loves running on a treadmill because she finds it's easier to do speed work than if she were running outside. Also, she's able to simulate hill workouts by using the incline function. Another detractor is Lisa, a co-worker. Although she uses her trainer in the winter, it doesn't seem to have hindered her fitness: Last summer, she rode 300 miles over three days. 
Headlamps: I've seen more and more runners wearing these headlamps. Most are simply headbands with a battery-operated light affixed to the front. Some models have an additional strap that runs from the lamp, over the skull, to the back of the band, for better fit. Others are of the plain-Jane variety: lights that clip onto the bill of a baseball cap. Many models feature adjustable lights, and some are water resistant or waterproof. (If you're an any-kind-of-weather runner, I'd choose a waterproof model.) You can spend as little as $10 for the clip-on models or as much as $70 for top-of-the-line headlamps. Frankly, I think these would be too confining. I'd just use a flashlight and aim it at the path in front of me. 
or dots, even sew-on reflective fabric. (At the risk of offending any of my readers, I can't imagine anyone spending the time to sew these things on.) $5-$15.
pet collars, jackets, harnesses, and bandanas. There's a guy in my neighborhood who walks a dog with a light on his collar. That guy blends in nicely with the darkness, but you can't miss his dog. $10-$30. 