The Hidden Gym Under The Stairs

In addition to hitting all of the parks I can find in the Mobile area, I am going to log some massive miles on Mr. True Treadmill in my personal space that I like to call The Hidden Gym Under The Stairs.  Basically, when my wife and I selected this house, it was sold with a bonus "man cave" that has a separate entrance from the back yard.  Figured it would be pretty cool to make it our workout room.  Additionally, it will be awesome in the Spring and Fall to do some working out outside on the shaded patio.

The Hidden Room Under The Stairs is not climate-controlled, doesn't have a bathroom, and is the home of our central heater.  Therefore it smells pretty bad and the fumes from the heater give me the impression that an hour running in that room would find me passed out with a giant smile on my face.  Gonna keep that door open while I'm doing my miles.

The Hidden Room also does not have a television in it yet. No matter how good the music is, it is darn difficult to work a treadmill for over an hour without some visual enjoyment.  Going to have to remedy that as soon as possible.

Anyway, the magic machine that is going to take me there is my True, which already has been in the Carpenter household for 5 or so years and has had many miles put on it already.  We've only had it serviced once and the thing is in spectacular condition.

The belt on this True has stayed in perfect condition over the years and has never shown any signs that it is giving in.  The motor purrs like a happy kitten and the incline gives no wobble while you're running.  I highly recommend this machine.

Today my task is to achieve 6 miles and split up the miles between running and walking with a large incline.  I started at 6.5 speed (9.3 minute mile) and planned on alternating between the walk and run to reach my 6 miles.  The run is easy, walking on a 14 incline, not so easy.  After 1.5 miles, I switched to alternating 1/2 miles.  Much better.

What I figured out from this form of workout is that you really, really work up the sweat on the incline, and it gives your backside a challenge.  In other words, if I wanted to make my rear end smaller, this is the way to go.  I used muscles I do not use with a normal run and although I couldn't care less about my caboose, I'm gonna keep this in my routine.  A very strong workout.  

All-in-all, the process took me less than 90 minutes, which is what I was aiming for, so that works for me.  A work of constant motion while I was able to keep it interesting by switching it up was pretty great.  Avoiding boredom is clutch for me.

As a bonus, if it matters to anyone who would read this, at 5.5 miles, one of my favorite running tracks came on (I keep my IPod on random), finishing off the run with a spiritual lift-up.  I added it here for a listen.  

Dream Theater - The Bigger Picture

On to tomorrow and hopefully the weather will hold up to visit Medal of Honor Park here in Mobile.