Forums > Running 101 > Treadmill (Dreadmill) running...
I joined the Y just so I would have acess to the dreadmill on bad weather days, I prefer to run outside, but a very bad winter snow, ice and wind made me start to use the it. I try to get out everyday so it helps out a lot when weather bad, try to vary the pace and incline to help break the run up, 2 miles about all I can handle on the mill
then then get tired of it.
Turning back the clock one mile at a time
Do not attempt.
FWIW I've found that it's much less tedious if I run a hill or interval workout instead of a steady run.
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"The most common question from potential entrants is 'I do not know if I can do this' to which I usually answer, 'that's the whole point'.--Paul Charteris, Tarawera Ultramarathon RD.
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I like to use it for shorter tempo runs, no more than about 9 miles at a time. Most treadmills shut themselves off after an hour anyways if you're trying to do long runs on them. Its a pain getting it back up to speed. I have to have good music too. Usually I listen to a special mix of stuff that I normally can't just sit and listen too, but it gets me pumped up for a fast run and a good sweat. The music is key. Also 1% incline should make it match the effort of running outside.
I don't think most treadmills shut off after an hour. Mine doesn't. Some gym treadmills are programmed to do that, but a lot aren't. That said, I quit 24 Hour Fitness a few years ago because they had a 20 minute limit on the treadmills at some of their gyms. I thought it would be handy when I was travelling, but I can't get a workout in 20 minutes. Someone told me they have lifted that restriction, but it was a waste of money. I can just run outside, or if the weather is bad make sure I stay at a hotel with a gym.
Loves the outdoors
I found it good to force myself to keep to an even pace and it's making me wonder if treadmill running is helpful to improve pacing?
You could be me! I have 3 children under 6, and my outside running is around my DH's work schedule. The treadmill is the only way I get in runs during the week. (And on the weekends, since snow + uncleared sidewalks + poorly plowed streets = miserable outside runs).
I've noticed that my treadmill runs are harder in some ways, although when I've been running outside for a stretch, treadmill runs seem easier. Then when I do treadmill runs for an extended time, outside runs seem more difficult. Keeping my running playlist interesting is a challenge, but it seems to help when I really like the music on my iPod.
Unfortunately, moving to a warmer state isn't an option!
I actually love running on the treadmill. I know, I know. That's not normal. But, I think it's because I also have children, and taking the treadmill outside and setting it up on the driveway (it's a great fold up portable treadmill) while the kids play works so well for me. The neighbors think I'm nuts, but who cares. It makes me know I don't have a reason not to fit in a run.
I run faster on the treadmill and do most of my speedwork on it.
I feel like treadmill tempo runs help me keep my pace normal and keep me going. Makes me feel like a weakling for not toughing it out outside.. but my route is way too hilly and inconsistent to make for even paced runs. Miles 1-2 are blazing fast but 3-5 are like hell, and the last mile or whatever on a tempo run is like a downhill race.
All it takes is some sportscenter to get me thru a dreadmill run, though. And the speakers on my treadmill are great so I listen to music at a perfect volume and watch basketball highlights.
My treadmill is very old and I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere, so I use a pedometer which seems more accurate to me....my pedometer says I run/walk 14:33 per mile and the treadmill has me at something crazy like 18:45 and I'm pretty sure I can crawl faster than that.
Gina
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