I made it past the 200-mile marker this morning which was a huge accomplishment, especially with how long it took to hit 100. Alas, there was a little difficulty on the treadmill. For some reason the belt and/or motor hasn’t been operating at the right speed. I think I overtightened it to preemptively prevent further slipping.
When it slips, I’m only supposed to give the adjustment screws a quarter turn. This held for less than a week after a couple times. Figuring I could avoid problems down the road, I gave the screws half turns. It seemed to work until I found running 5.9/mph (my current cruising speed) not as strenuous yet the odometer couldn’t have been false. The motor suddenly shifting to a higher (probably accurate) speed in the middle of a run was another clue. Foolishly I kept pressing forward. The acrid, oily smell today was the warning to investigate further. The manual had a symptom regarding the motor being sluggish and its recommended solution? Loosening the belt a quarter turn. I’ll find out tomorrow morning. At least I will be using new shoes which might address my lessening hip pain.
Meanwhile, I’m less than six miles away from the goal I set back in January. The last two months have been spectacular too. More than half of the distance was covered through June and July.
What’s next, maybe where’s next? Some old destinations I established back when I running via the Wii Fit. Ozona, TX which is 252 miles from my house. The old route went mostly along I-10 on its way to our time share in Las Vegas…the ultimate goal, 1352 miles. With 2011 I’ll be impressed if I can finish December 31 at 365 miles which would give me a mile/day average.