I’m a Goldilocks runner always waiting for conditions to be just right

There is something about myself that I have been suspecting for quite a while. While golfing a few years ago, I noticed I only liked being out when the weather was nice. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. I came to the conclusion that I might be a bit of a Goldilocks type.

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This realization has cemented itself with training for running. And with the unpredictable and strange weather we have been having here in Ontario, it has wreaked havoc on my desire to run outside. This is another reason why my goal of running 12 races in 12 months is a good thing. It gets me outside and running. At times though, the training in between races has been the most challenging.

But there are solutions. I recently went running at an indoor track that is fairly close to my home. It had the outdoors feel to it with artificial grass in the middle of the track yet it was sheltered and temperature controlled. My sister-in- law and I ran laps as we got to watch the ultimate Frisbee game going on at the same time. It was a great distraction from the actual act of running.

I have found that those distractions are an important aspect of my running. I enjoy running much more when I’m exploring new places or routes. Running the same routes over and over again just doesn’t appeal to me. I like to mix it up, until I find a way to make it just right.

I’ve never been a consistent gym-goer, although it is my hope that I can eventually make this type of exercise part of my routine. I recently did find a gym that I am seriously considering joining. It’s got the all-hours flexibility, it’s close to home and has fitness classes which I’m interested in.

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The spinning area in particular was something that I felt drawn to. It was a gorgeous room full of bikes facing a large screen where gym goers can experience virtual cycling. You have your choice of different routes around the world to give you the feeling that you are cycling there. I walked around this room thinking “If only it were filled with treadmills instead of bikes. Then it would be just right.”

The good thing about all of this though is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The warmer weather is officially on its way. Then I will have no excuses. I’m especially looking forward to running in our forest trail that winds its way from our neighbourhood and over to a beautiful lake. Just thinking about it in early spring, I know it’s going to be just right for me. Bring on the warm spring weather.