Treadmill or Road Running?

Would you rather run your miles on this

or on this?

The benefit of the treadmill is CONTROL.  You can control the pace, the hills, , the temperature, the wind, and  the tv station you watch.  If you get tired, you don't have to run back anywhere, you just push stop and hop off.  

The benefits of the road are many.  Variety, beauty, freeing, you have to run back so you can't quit early just to name a few.

Today, I ran 4 miles looking at this

And  15 minutes at a fast pace looking this

I needed to run on the treadmill to make sure I keep a fast pace, but it seemed like forever.  I had to divide it into two  7 1/2 minutes segments and take a break in between.  I think the hardest thing for me on the treadmill, besides being bored by the view, is that I never can truly relax and let my mind go to other things.  I have to stay conscious of my pace so I don't fall off - George Jetson style.

I so much enjoyed my 45 minutes outside even though it was at least 85 degrees, humid, and there were a few small  hills.  The time flew by because I was writing this blog in my head, solving the world's problems, and remembering my fun trip to San Antonio earlier this week.

I started thinking about life and the treadmill.  I kinda had this treadmill life planned for my kids - controlled by me.  I chose the Christian intensity level that included  Christian High School, then a Christian college, get a degree and a safe job, marry a Christian, and live close enough to visit  Mom and Dad on holidays and birthdays.  Add in a pace of good behavior and excellent grades, and I had the perfect  life workout planned for them. 

But, somewhere between 17 and 22 years of age, both my kids got off my treadmill and went to their road.  It was fun and exciting for them, but very uncomfortable for me.  I didn't know where it was headed, and I still don't. They might encounter steep hills, difficult weather, and danger out there.  And most of all, which is the most painful to admit, I have absolutely no control over the time, place or the pace.

They are both enjoying the journey, of their chosen paths, and actually, I do understand why they got off ( and maybe resented ) my treadmill life for them. I am trying to get comfortable with the idea that they are not training for my life, but they are living theirs.  

Warning to Kids: Watch out for those hills and traffic. And call your mom!!

TVW