Indoor Tracks Have Many Benefits, And A Few Drawbacks
When there is ice on the roads or the rain is horizontal because of gale force winds, I don’t get excited about running outside. But I get even less excited about running on the treadmill. Although the treadmill is convenient because it’s at home in the basement, I get bored even with the TV or music playing. I have learned that I can deal with it for a few miles but on days when I want a longer run I find it difficult to motivate myself to use the “dreadmill.” That’s why I’m happy our new Community Center has an indoor track.
This winter I’ve used the indoor track when the running conditions outside were not safe or were too brutal.
The indoor track has many benefits including:
Climate controlled. It’s a nice break to run in shorts and a T-shirt while looking at snow and ice outside.
Safer. Running outdoors in any weather can be dangerous. Many motorists don’t see runners crossing streets. Uneven sidewalks, roots and debris can cause you to trip. Snow and ice can make you adjust your cadence and footing which can cause injuries even if you don’t fall.
Easier on your body. The track surface is softer than concrete roads so less impact on your joints. You also don’t have the cold temperatures drying out your skin.
A change of scenery. If your track surrounds a gym, like mine does, you can watch those activities while you run. Usually while running on my track I can watch two different pick-up basketball games on the courts below. It’s fun to watch those “weekend warriors” throw up bricks from far outside the 3-point line and then act shocked when they miss.
There are, however, a few significant drawbacks to running indoors including:
No fresh air. Even in the cold of winter, I do enjoy the fresh air. As my late, great father used to say, “go outside and let the stink blow off.”
No spitting. One benefit of running outside that some people forget is the ability to just spit on the street or grass. When you’re circling that track you can’t simply turn your head and hock a loogie.
No Snot Rockets. This is a big one. Running in cold weather makes your nose drip. A lot. The simple explanation from the good folks at Harvard Medical School is that in cold weather “the nose heats up and moisturizes air before it enters the lungs. Bones in the nose are covered with blood-filled membranes. These membranes sit behind the nasal cavities, and the blood flow keeps the space warm. When you breathe cold air, the nose membranes secrete water and mucus. It’s like a mini steam bath with moisture dripping down the walls. The colder and dryer the air, the more water and mucus is produced, which leads to more sniffles and extra tissues.”
When your nose starts dripping while running it’s not convenient to stop and search your pocket for a tissue. It’s also hard to run while constantly sniffing in the runny nose. So, all runners do the “snot rocket.” Yes, ALL runners. Some just may not admit it.
Snot rockets are so important to running there are instructional videos and articles on how to do it. Runner’s World, Fleet Feet and others have produced some good content to teach beginning runners how to launch one correctly. I really don’t recall anyone teaching me how to blow a snot rocket. I am self-taught in that area. I guess I’m gifted.
The good news is there are benefits to running indoor as well as outside. The weather conditions in winter and early spring in Michigan can change minute-to-minute so it’s great to have options. Just remember where you are before you turn your head and blow.