5 mile morning run

My training has been in a rut over the past few weeks. I've been pretty good about running 7 miles a day during the week on the treadmill and then either a long run or hike on Sundays. It has started to feel stale though and I have noticed some of my weight creeping back up. Nothing to be concerned about just moving away from my goal weight.

Yesterday, the treadmill started to act up. I need to call and get it serviced or worst case scenario get a replacement. Living in Snoqualmie, the treadmill has been essential to my training. It is dark when I run and there are a lot of hills. So generally, it is just easy to focus on treadmill miles versus extra prep needed to run outside at 3:30 in the morning, especially in winter when snow and ice add risk to my ability to stay upright during a run.

Today though with the treadmill in iffy condition, I commited to a 5 mile run around Snoqualmie. So with my Nathan running pack, a sweatband, and AlpsWolf Headlamp I headed out the door.

No headphones. No Prime Video. No Netflix. Just me in the cool August morning descending and ascending the 300 feet of elevation around my house. It was invigorating. The headlamp was fantastic in providing all the light I needed. Unlike many headlamps I've had in the past, it has a light above each ear. This provides broad coverage of light as I run.

One surprise was how much I enjoyed the hills. It added challenge that kept me focused. I am sure I will be back to the treadmill for winter, but at least for the next month running outside might be just what I need to rejuvinate my training.