I braved the scary machine 😳

[cheekychipmunks]

Went for my gym induction this afternoon. The lady showing me around was lovely and when she asked about my running history she had nothing but good things to say about C25K. Nor did she laugh at my 5k PB - I like her! 👍

So I met all the machines but only had eyes for the shiny treadmills - only 2, but it’s a small gym which doesn’t get busy. I’ve already picked my favourite one by the window! 😀

She told me how to work it and I was relieved I understood! So when she left I hopped on for a play. I didn’t run (forgot to put on the essential item of clothing which women wear!), so after a warmup I had a nice 2k brisk walk and played with the incline. Even checked my heart rate every so often.

I know it’s a novelty at the moment, but I think we’ll get on ok when the weather properly turns. You can set the display to some lovely exotic places, so I can pretend it’s summer outside! ☀️🏃‍♀️☀️

The main thing is, I didn’t fall off! Result! 👍

Roll on Thursday. I want to go running, and it’s my ‘long one’ day! 🏃‍♀️😀

[Tartancat Graduate10]

Well done cheekychipmunks . I haven't been brave enough to try running on a treadmill (except when I went for gait analysis, and I held onto the handles!)

Now you're all set for winter!

Have a fabulous run on Thursday, can't wait to hear how you get on 🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Thanks TC! I was holding the handles to begin with too - I thought you had to! 🤦‍♀️😅

Yes, I’m getting the pre long run nerves now! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Dont be nervous - you've got this!

Just take your trusty snails with you and believe in the plan!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Thanks! 😀 I never leave without my snails! 🐌🐌🐌🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[SANDI_runs Graduate10]

Gym induction done, that's great. There's no excuses now 😁

The one at my gym has the videos of exotic runs all over the world. That what I use to distract me from the monotony of treadmill running

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SANDI_runs]

Indeed Sandi, I’ll be running no matter what the weather now! I can see how many exotic places I can visit on my trips to the gym. ☀️☀️☀️☀️

[Beanjo]

Something else to tick off your to do list cheeky. Treadmill ✅. I’ve only ever run on one when I had my gait analysis and have to admit it felt very strange. I’ll have to use the ones at our gym in the winter though so will be watching to see how you get on 😊

Hope tomorrow goes well- think you’ve got this though 😊👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beanjo]

Thanks Beanjo, I’m almost looking forward to having a run on it. Not that I’m wishing for bad weather of course, but I’m curious to see how much easier/harder it is!

My long run is actually on Thursday. I have a whole day to get through yet - I can’t wait! Thanks for the good wishes! 😀 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done cheekychipmunks, it sounds like you’ve got much better equipment than our gym. You need to hold on to the handles if you want to record HR when walking but let them go when running. Good luck on your long one.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy! It’s a new gym so all the equipment is brand new, which is nice. My husband will be using the rowing machine, me the treadmill. I might even have a go on the bikes too. There’s also a complicated multi exercise weights machine. Might be a step too far! But it’s all quite exciting really!

Running on Thursday, but definitely still outside! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

What Dexy should also have pointed out, from personal experience , is that if you want to take, say, a sweatshirt off while exercising on the dreadmill, it's a good idea to keep moving while you've got it over your head . Or attach the kill cord of course …...

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Ahh wise advice UTS. I don’t think I’d dare multitask and try to take off any clothing whilst on the move! It wouldn’t end well. 😳

I like the kill cord. I’m hoping not to have to use it, but knowing it’s there is reassuring! 👍😀

[telford_mike Graduate10]

Nice going Cheeky, glad it went well and you didn’t end up on your bum (I probably would have 😂 ). Best of luck for Thursday!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to telford_mike]

Haha, yes that might have been my first and last time on the treadmill Mike! I was only walking though - have yet to run! 😅

Thanks, looking forward to Thursday. I’m nervous again, but that seemed to help last week. 😀 🤞 🏃‍♀️

[sunshinefish Graduate10]

Great! Always good to have a plan, and hopefully by having one you have now jinxed winter and we will have a warm and dry winter

Well done on mastering the treadmill!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to sunshinefish]

Yes that’s exactly the sort of thing which happens to me SSF! We got loads of firewood in one winter, and it was the mildest one ever! 😅

[Oldlady57]

You’ve gone to the other side !!!😱😱😱😱😱Think l might join you if the weather continues like this😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Oldlady57]

Noooo OL, I’m not a defector really! Just s contingency plan for if the weather turns really foul! Honest! 😅🏃‍♀️

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10]

Well done for remaining upright, cheeky! Sounds like you are going to enjoy this! I am going to try to continue running outside through the winter, hope it isn't too fierce! 😱

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Thanks MS, although I’m not counting my chickens - I was only walking today after all. All sorts of mishaps could occur when I try running! 🏃‍♀️😳😅

I’ll be remaining outside for the most part too. No doggies allowed on treadmills ...... 🐕

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Ha ha hope you can keep your balance! Start slow!! Ah that's good there's still some outside runs for mutley 😁 Do you know it didn't occur to me that I could do the OCCASIONAL run on the treadmill if there's a storm outside or thick snow - thank you for popping the idea into my head!! 😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Haha, it certainly isn’t all or nothing! There you go, I’ve helped make your winter running less wet/cold. Pop on the treadmill just for the very worst of the weather, the rest you can stay outdoors! 👍👍 Sorted! 😀😀

[Runsome Graduate10]

All new exciting stuff your well and truly set for winter😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

I am Runsome! I must really enjoy running or something! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Mayanow]

Well done!

Another challenge conquered! 😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Mayanow]

Yep, treadmill ✅ The things our new running habit has us doing! 😀

[Mayanow in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Ahaha i think there will be wilder stories down the line, you're right!!!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

All this talk that winter is coming is a bit scary for a first winter runner like me! A bit Game of Thrones! It has just dawned on me that cold weather is at hand. I had just assumed that I would continue outdoors, but thinking about it we got plenty of snow and ice last year, and I did fracture a vertebra taking the dog for a snow walk before Christmas ! Do people use different running shoes for winter runs in the forest?? Lots to think about. Well done on early preparations.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’m happy my husband suggested joining the gym. I’m not sure I’d have been so proactive otherwise, and I would have probably endured several miserable wet and/or colds runs before biting the bullet myself!

So really it’s an insurance policy. It’ll also help if I’m short on time as my favourite running location is 20 minutes from home. At the gym I’d be able to do a quick run plus shower etc and be good to go!

I’ve also got gloves and a buff arriving today. Winter - bring it on! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❄️❄️😀😀

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I got my winter gear yesterday, but am not planning on any heroics. Treadmill will do if things get too bad, but definitely last resort. As you say, bring it on!!

[lexiemcd 60minGraduate]

That's good you had a positive gym induction and the treadmill wasn't too scarey! After the other morning when roads were slippy i decided perhaps the gym was the route to go down - only on days when I know it's too risky to run outdoors. Induction a week on Tuesday - and hubby is coming along - he'll swim, do weights etc. Gym's in a nice hotel so who knows maybe he'll treat me now and again to a nice lunch afterwards 😊xx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to lexiemcd]

I like your thinking Lexie. Maybe I should coincide my gym visit with my husband’s every so often too! 👍😅

Good luck with your induction. Of course you’ll need to report back and tell us how yours goes too! 👍👍

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

You are braver than me. I went on one of those things once and hated it, and it hated me too, so I haven't ever since! Keep us posted on how the friendship goes

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

I will ju-ju- especially once I’ve done a meaningful run on it. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ I might not be so enthusiastic after that! 😅