First real run on a treadmill, and a go on that pole!!

Although the weather was great and ideal for running outside, my husband had to go into the office today. This meant I either had to get up and go for a run before he left (at Silly-O-Clock) and with the little ones still in bed, or take my up neighbours offer of using their treadmill and drag them with me. The second option seemed better so I sent a text last night to confirm it would be OK.

It wasn't until gone nine that I was able to get out and armed with a bag full of toys we went round to my neighbours gym. My plan was to run for as long as the little ones were kept occupied which I was hoping would be at least 45 minutes so that I could get a 5K in.

The table football that they used when we were there last was still set up and that looked preferable to any of their toys. As it turned out, if I had run until they had got bored with it, I may still be there now. I had to drag them away from it in the end.

Once I was on the treadmill I did a warmup walk as I normally would then set a nice comfortable speed. After about 5 minutes, I felt I was running a bit slow, so increased the speed a bit. I thought this was great, having a nice run while watching my two having fun. The time flew by and before I knew it, I had run for 55 minutes. I slowed down back to a brisk walk for another 5, then slowed it to a strolling pace for another couple of minutes before stopping it.

The last time I had used the beast it had gone bonkers and sped up to a flat out sprint speed before I stopped it. When I had got off it, I was a bit wobblily. I was not expecting the same feeling when I got off today. It only lasted a few seconds but it felt like the floor was still moving, most unnerving.

I wore shorts today and once my legs were back to normal, I could not resist having a quick go on their dance pole. After my neighbour showed me a video of one of them using it, I had a quick look on You tube to see how it should be done. Well, I was glad my two were otherwise engaged and took no notice of me, the last thing I would have wanted was my feeble efforts reported back to anyone. The beginners video had made it look so easy.

No matter how far up the pole I started, I was at the bottom before I was half way around. I spent about five minutes looking like a demented fireman before giving up. As there is no phone signal in their gym, I could not check on line to see if I was missing something. I gave their pole a quick wipe down, gathered up my tribe (which was more effort than I was expecting) and left.

I would give the treadmill an 7/10, mainly for the convenience of being able to run and watch my two at the same time, but its not the same as running out side. If the weather was cold and wet its appeal may increase.

As for the pole, well, I think it would be fun but I think expert tuition would be needed first as it didn't go as well as I had expected. Although I wouldn't have wanted anyone seeing my efforts, I think feedback on my technique may have helped. The jury is out on that one!!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

That all seemed to work well GottaImprove! But are you really actually certain that your boys didn’t notice your antics on the dance pole - they may surprise you one day 😳!

[Mormor1 Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Especially if they secretly recorded it🤣

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

That's a fun morning. I think trying that pole must have been irresistible but it seems there's a lot more to it than you'd think. Maybe it was because you were in running shoes not 6" stilettoes 😂

[Hidden in reply to Yesletsgo]

I would imaging a lot of damage could be caused wearing 6" stilettoes if you slipped. 😩All the videos I have looked at, they have bare feet which probably would have helped.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I've never watched any poledancing, only seen (probably totally unrealistic) bits of it in films about sleazy characters in sleazy places 😃 which says more about me than the sport! I know it's very good for you and that men do it too, sorry for reinforcing stereotypes.These days even walking in 6" stilettoes would be a workout for me!

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

A good run and some extra fun with the pole dancing, even if it was tougher than it looks 👏👏👏 I had a colleague who did pole dancing for fitness but she attended classes, it's quite difficult so well done for having a go on your own! 💪

[Hidden in reply to Beatlesforever]

Yes, the You Tube beginners videos make it look quite easy, maybe more practice is required!!!

[CBDB Graduate10]

🤣🤣🤣

Well run on your first real treadmill workout! And to top it, an attempt at poles as well!

What a day! And it sounds like your young ones enjoyed it too! Wins all around!

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

That sounded like a winning combo gottaimprove, good work keeping kids entertained whilst you got your run in. How fast was a it going? I her sooo hot on it when running, I have to have it going slower.

[Hidden in reply to Mormor1]

I started at 6mph but increased it to 6.5 which felt more comfortable. The total distance recorded was just over 6.6 miles including my walking. I am not sure how that compares to when I run outside as I don't take the walking sections in to account normally. The room is quite cool but I also put on the fan that is right next to the treadmill which although felt a bit cold while walking, did keep me cool once I had started running.