The Dungeon Run

Call me a chicken, but when it's 25 degrees, I don't want to run outside. Yes, I did it a few weeks ago in New Hampshire. Yes, I realize compared to -25 with the windchill and blizzards most of you are experiencing, 25+ and dry seems like a heat wave. But here's the deal, a) 25 is still 7 degrees below freezing, which is, according to science, FREEZING! and b) I'm in SOUTH CAROLINA! This was not part of this "moving to a warmer climate" deal!

All whining aside, I tried to work my way around this situation. Saturday, I busted out the Jari Love ripped 1000 DVD for a little plyometrics, and a LOT of squats and lunges. Man that chick loves the squats and lunges. Two days later, my hamstrings still hate me (or they hate Jari Love, really, but they are taking it out on me. )

Yesterday, I needed to seek out a treadmill. It was Sunday, the school gym was closed, and the city gyms closed early. I remembered this sports complex that had opened just down the road a little less than a year ago. It was in an old warehouse, and advertised having indoor soccer/baseball/basketball fields, gymnastics, and among a bunch of other stuff, a fitness center. I thought I'd give it a shot.

And that, my friends, is how I wound up here:

The camera lighting is not off. That's how dark it was. But after paying my admission fee all the way on the other end of the building (like half a mile away, or so it felt) I figured I'd best suck it up and get on the treadmill. It wasn't nearly as creepy as it looks, but it was a new experience to say the least. Treadmills are bad to begin with...treadmills with nothing to look at but cement and steel? Well you can imagine the excitement I felt. There wasn't even any "people watching" to be had, I was the lone ranger on this end of the building massive warehouse. But afterall, it was atleast 50 degrees in there.

I squeaked out a little over 4 miles, what felt like the longest 4 miles of my life. And I mean squeaked, that treadmill needs a hit of WD-40. Thank goodness for my ipod, on all counts in this situation. I got my endorphin fix for the day, stretched out the angry hamstrings, and went on my merry way, happier and stronger than I was when I walked in. Thank you for that, squeaky old treadmill in the dingy old warehouse. Thank you running, for making me so happy.

And the awesome adventure that is 2010 is off to a fun start!

Happy Running my friends!

p.s. Thanks everyone for your continued support with the running gear raffle to benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Thanks to you guys, the raffle has raised $810 since it was posted!! Amazing! There are 23 days left to enter (if you haven't already) for your chance to win some kick butt gear from Road ID, Bondi Band, Lift Your Sole, Recovery Sock, and so much more! So go, now, enter, and spread the word!