All About Running > Running 101 > Treadmills
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Treadmills (Read 430 times)
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 12:29 AM
I notice a good number of people running on treadmills. Do you get the race results you want (times). Confused
Run until the trail runs out
2008 TARGET 150 MONTH
2009 TARGET 40/40
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 1:43 AM
I don't think running on the TM by itself improves racing directly, although there are benefits that affect racing indirectly:

1. Allows me to control speed work sessions easier in preparation for a race
2. Is easier on my body & therefore helps prevent injury, allowing me to race better & more often
3. Lets me run even when its too cold/hot outside, rather than skipping workouts

I try to mix up my running on various surfaces: asphalt, treadmill, and trails. (I never get the results/times I want - Wink)

Bill
Goal HM under 2:00:00
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 3:16 AM
I started out using a treadmill to lose weight, and I continue to use a treadmill when the weather won't allow me to use the great outdoors..it is a useful tool..but a boring one..as far as improving times on races and stuff..not sure? I just run on it to burn calories..but with some of the fancier TM you can get a pretty good training workout
Jamie 2008 races: Race for Riley 4/26* Callaway Gardens sprint tri- 6/22*, Callaway 5k 8/31, world wide HM and kick the couch 5k 10/11 or 10?12 PTC classic 15 k 10/18, Callaway twilight 10k 11/1 *Atlanta HM 11/27 my ultimate goal for 2008!
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 3:29 AM
I like being a hamsterSmile
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 4:16 AM
Cold air kills my lungs, so I spend the winter on the treadmill. I like to treat the treadmill as speedwork. I only run a 5k workout on there, but I increase my pace throughout the run, trying to increase sooner and peak higher with each day. If I plateau for a couple days, then I insert some incline for 400m per mile. Its nice as the workouts get shorter too. Also, in the gym, I have an easier time getting myself to not avoid the bane of my existence--core work. Personally I'd have a hard time training for anything longer than a 5 or 10k on a treadmill, but I think it's great for those shorter distances.
posted: 5/3/2008 at 5:19 AM
The US women's runner in 2000 Olympic marathon won the US OT, and most but not all of her training was on tm in Alaska winter. Combination of time management (she's a doctor and mom) and lack of traction in Anchorage that winter made the tm the way to train. That also heat acclimated her for a Feb race, although that was probably a side effect. She has also said she would never to that again.Wink

It's a tool. Most tools can be helpful or not, depending upon how one uses it.
"So many people get stuck in the routine of life that their dreams waste away. This is about living the dream." - Cave Dog
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posted: 5/3/2008 at 2:10 PM
Thanks to all. Good information. Smile
Run until the trail runs out
2008 TARGET 150 MONTH
2009 TARGET 40/40
Mr Inertia
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Heck of a Guy
posted: 5/5/2008 at 5:32 PM
This past winter I did the bulk of my training for a spring marathon on a treadmill with excellent results.

Gave me an excellent opportunity to work on stride and cadence at a given speed.
Excellent way to get in the runs when there's nasty ice and snow out.
It helped me be able to keep my pace very consistent.
Because, for me, my speed at a preceived effort is greater on the road than it is on the TM, it helped improve my speed quite a bit.
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Over Achiever
posted: 5/5/2008 at 6:32 PM
I generally only use the treadmill when DH is travellling or has a full meeting schedule. I like to do my speed intervals on it though..

Last week I did most of my running on my tm then I went outside to do my 10mile run and I must say that was the best run I have done in a long, long time..I feel like I glided through most of that run. Related? Probably not, but still. Big grin
Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today? Peter Maher
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All About Running > Running 101 > Treadmills