When we are in Florida my main, scratch that, only source of jogging is on a treadmill in our wonderful, air conditioned gym. In the past I have never understood how other fitness buddies could stand running outside without a TV, AC, or a handy little treadmill that does all the difficult stuff for you. Then, there is the weather. You may not know this, but Florida is not exactly chilly. All of these things together have made the idea of running outside laughable. Until this summer.
I have officially gotten the outdoor running bug.
Sure, I have loved running outside in Michigan, but there has never been anything so enjoyable about it that made me think I would choose running outside if running inside was an option. Everything changed when we went on a run down the road and onto a nature path earlier this week. Not only was my slow outdoor pace banished (fastest 5k yet, thank you!), it was the most fun I have EVER had on a run.
Being able to adventure into a new area that I have never seen before was wonderful. The path was huge, a river ran next to me the entire time, and the whole thing was in an absolutely beautiful tree canopy. Yes, this run has made me a convert. I cannot wait until we get to run this way again and I am already looking up great running paths in our home town.
It feels like there has been a whole secret club that I never knew I never knew. All these outdoor runners have maybe found a secret that I have been looking for my whole running life- running more that 4-miles can and is fun! It is also a wonderful way to relax, rejuvenate, and look at some stellar scenery. All of the pictures on today's post were taken during the run. I could not help but to stop and savor some of the beauty around me!
Of course, it does not hurt that we stopped off at my favorite bagel and coffee shop in the whole world right after the run for the biggest (and yummiest) cup of iced coffee ever. This place has super yummy smoked meats (so I have heard), so we took this chance to get some of their wood cuttings for a new smoker the hubs just put together. Someone hold me back when we use that mesquite with a nice bit of salmon!
So, do you run outside or inside and why? Would you ever consider switching it up a bit?