Dear Treadmill,
Back when I found you listed in the newspaper, I was ambivalent about bringing you home. We didn’t have much room in our garage, and Bill wondered if I would use you or if I would miss going to the gym to be with other people on rainy days. I, myself, wondered if there was a place for you in my heart, in the mix of trail running and club membership.
You were young back then, unused and inexperienced. The odd old couple we bought you from were glad to be rid of you, but promised you worked. We hoped you’d be worth the $100 we talked them down to and the pain in our backs from lifting you over their clutter into the back of our truck. Turns out you were worth more than I could have hoped for. That first year, after we snuggled you in between our trash can and the bicycles hanging from the ceiling, I learned to look forward to meeting up with you in the afternoons. You and I spent three seasons of “Big Love” and at least two seasons of “Six Feet Under” together.
Last winter we hardly spoke. That was my fault. I’d grown heartier and almost nothing–rain, cold, SAD–could keep me off the trails. And this year has been a rerun of last year. I think of you often and fondly, but I’d rather be out in the fresh air. This week, however, when the thermometer read 19 and the snow measured eight inches, I heard you calling my name and determined to revive our relationship.
Thank you for these three days and the thirteen miles we’ve shared. I just want you to know I appreciate you being there for me when I need you the most.
I’ll see you tomorrow (but hopefully not the day after that).
-Cami
I admire treadmill runners. It’s a part of running that I haven’t ever been able to conquer. Even when the thermometer measures down into the teens (and that one day I ventured out in sub 0 temperatures) I would much rather pound the pavement than the rubber mechanisms of the treadmill. I can hardly run inside let alone stationary in one spot in a hot muggy gym. Maybe my experiences have not been great and one day I will find a relationship with one, but so far I have not. I am going to head over to my blog though (which has been horribly neglected, and update my followers (all of a few but followers none the less)! Search for one in a bit!
Brandon
Well, there’s nothing noble about treadmill running, that’s for sure, Brandon. I could have gone outside–and probably would have felt better had I done so. I say, if you can get out, get out! Will check your blog soon.
Oh I agree with the getting out. If you cannot though the treadmill would be the best option for us runners. If I am ever in a state where I have to stay inside for running, as of this moment my running would take a serious hit, as I would definitely not be getting on a treadmill! Now maybe I should invest in an indoor pool? The possibilities!