Where I live in Michigan, there is nearly a foot on the ground and it is -20 degrees with the windchill. Snow blows over any pavement that is exposed by shovel.
So there's the treadmill, and thank God for that, right? It is the saving grace at times like these. Yet we persist in calling it the "hamster wheel" or the "DREADMILL." What a cruel and cold-hearted society we have become. Well, I am starting a movement, and have appointed myself the leader of the T.A.P.T. organization, and I want this harassment, ridicule and bullying to stop. May the first meeting of the Treadmills Are People Too come to order.
I do appreciate a run outside more than one inside. I do see the benefit in getting out in cold conditions, feeling your face freeze, getting fresh air, and developing a rock hard resolve in your runner mentality. I've done it, and will do so again.There are highs to be had and joys to be felt out there in the frozen tundra that just aren't there all summer long. I love running through neighborhoods full of christmas lights or on a snowy single track trail. The shine from the sunlight or the moonlight on fresh white snow is heavenly.
But I also appreciate my treadmill, more than most, and I treat her with love. I don't cringe when I see her. I don't call her names behind her back.I don't disparage her existence.
Treadmills can make you a bad-ass too
Sure, she can make the miles tedious. Sure she plays games with me by making a tenth of a mile tick, tick, tick by so much more slowly. I know she lies, she has to. Never has a half of a mile taken what seems like 30 minutes to go by. "Lie to me," I say as I run, "I promise I'll believe." Running on her is like being stuck in a relationship that never moves forward no matter how hard you try.
But without her, I would be a much lesser person. I would have less miles in my bank. I would have less runs, less experiences, and a much fuller DVR. Some of my best movie moments have been on a treadmill in front of the blu-ray or DVR. Some of my greatest workouts have been pushing my legs forward, saying just let it tick to the next mile, be it 7, 12, or 23 (yes, I have done 23 miles on a treadmill.)
Behind so many good runners is a grood treadmill. So, please, be kind to your treadmill. Every time you say "dreadmill," you take a little bit of her heart.
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