I'm just catching up on the treadmill vs. outdoors discussion. Although I'd much rather run outside, the treadmill is o.k. once in awhile, too. Sometimes it's nice to zone out and watch a little t.v. while I run - just for a change. It's a little easier on the joints, too, since I usually run on pavement outdoors. One of the main things about the treadmill, though, is I have had it - completely had it - with slipping around on snow and ice. Over the weekend I fell on the ice. I wasn't running - just doing errands on my way home from the gym - and I slipped on an uneven icy surface outside my car and landed on my back and upper arm. When I sat up I thought I'd broken my arm. The pain was excruciating - it made me dizzy and queasy. I must have just really smacked my funny bone, though, because my pinky finger on that side was numb for awhile and then it woke up, and there is no swelling or discoloration on my arm and it has full motion. It's just a little sore to touch now. I hate ice! The treadmill beats that any day.

My long run will be Saturday or Sunday. Will probably do a short one tomorrow but stairs today.

Emily, that's a good pace. So many people at the gym get on the treadmill and turn up the speed too much - just to keep up - and they don't last. More isn't always better. Just keep doing what you're doing - you're making good progress.

Deb