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49 Days, 49 Million Fears: Running A Marathon
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Yesterday I had the unfortunate experience of going to a co-ed version of my gym, as I was out of town and in desperate need of a workout.
(FYI, I never in a million years thought I’d be in desperate need of working out, but there it is. I’m officially addicted to runner’s high and shin splints, holy crap.)
Seeing as I’m still a bit jiggly in spots, I was quite concerned about working out with men around. Being a beautiful spring Sunday, there were less people there but you can bet your sneakers that everyone was checking each other out. At the women’s gym, they don’t do this, but here I’m well aware that some people use the gym as a place to meet others. I was nervous. Yes I’m happily married, but the fact is, working out with boys around is still kind of a nerve-wracking thing. I wasn’t looking to be attractive. Goodness knows my entire head turns shades of purple and red when I run and I look like I’ve been swimming by the time I’m done. For me, it was a matter of keeping up with the boys and looking tough.
The treadmills in this gym are in a line in front of a line of ellipticals. There were 4 men on ellipticals and one guy on a treadmill. I chose a treadmill that had at least 3 empty treadmills on either side, and made sure not to be directly in front of a guy as well, to avoid any stranger exposure to the jiggle factor. Firing up my iPod at the same time as the treadmill, I found my groove pretty quickly and began my run.
Then it happened.
Instead of picking any number of treadmills, this young guy, about 21, hops on the treadmill on my left. I kept going as he got settled into his run, but my mind was racing. Why did he pick that treadmill? Is he trying to make himself look better? Is he trying to pick me up? (Hello wedding ring, don’t fail me now!) Or maybe, just maybe, he’s trying to watch the baseball game on T.V. #8.
Duh.
What happened for the rest of the run was kind of interesting. I’m gearing up for that 8K (5 miles) relay and I’m up to running 5K (3.1 miles) at a time right now. But because this gym rat was running beside me, I found myself running at longer intervals than I normally would.
Why?
Oh that’s easy: pride. I kept running so I didn’t look like a total dork. I ran at 10 minute intervals, walked for 2-4 in between (on an incline for added toughness) and by the time I got to the end of the third 10 minute interval, I was at 6K (3.73 miles)!
So if you find yourself needing an extra challenge, work out with a boy. Go for a hike with hubby and the kids, cycle with a male friend, or simply find yourself your own punk gym rat and kick his butt!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:13 am
[...] I’m over here today kicking punk’s butts. xoxo Posted by Sugarpants @ 8:08 am [...]
April 7th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Seems to me, your way too busy watching other people.
Okay, sure, people will note things around them even when not paying attention, but you’re thinking too much of it, and you are way to busy with what others might (or might not) think.
Just go and get your exercise and go on bout your day!
April 7th, 2008 at 8:07 am
haha this is so true, my best work out buddy is a good friend of mine that is awesome shape (though he never admits it… grrr!) and he makes sure i dont slack! and hubby gets some quality alone time (or kid time!) while i go work out! it’s win-win really
April 7th, 2008 at 9:56 am
JoOLz - maybe so, but being fairly new to working out, I still maintain I was nervous about working out with guys. The post was leading up to my competitive nature, that’s all. I don’t expect you to understand.
Kate - How nice you have that friend! If it weren’t for my trainer, I’d probably be a slacker too!
April 7th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Yeah, back when I was working out I always went with a friend who would push me a little harder, even if it was just by virtue of being there and me not wanting to look like a complete dork. And when her totally hott husband worked out with us… lets just say I worked extra hard (even though I have an equally hott husband to go home to). Sometimes running in packs really IS the best thing we can do for ourselves.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I’m the same way. Part not-wanting-to-look-like-a-dork and part competitiveness, but when I’m out on my bike and I spot someone else (especially if they pass me up, ack), I know I ride faster than usual. I think it’s great to use these little tools to find out how much more we can push ourselves than we thought. Go you!
April 7th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
When I swim next to someone I always race them. Sure, they don’t actually know we are racing, but I still am racing them. I get this, and I definitely think you are on to something here.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Elaine - I wish I knew some hot people. Wait. Come work out with me! xo
Karen - Totally. See you get it!
Tori - Ha ha..I do that too!
April 8th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Wow, pride’s a killer. After we had our third and I went back to running, my husband bought me a heart monitor. That thing saved my life! I push because of pride…run faster on the trail when others are around, etc. According to my monitor, I was running about 95% of max rate and hurting myself more than helping! Great tool!
April 8th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Andrea - Holy hell! Thanks for the warning!