Is running on a treadmill acceptable for a long run? (Read 1406 times)

Dude, I was in a meeting or I would have responded sooner. I brought up ultra marathon pace because I thought you were basing your statements on an “ultra marathon” pace since that is what I thought you ran. I took a closer look at your many achievements and although you ran some ultras it looks like most of your insane number of races are marathons. I brought up ultra marathon pace because I believe that pace to be vastly different than even marathon pace. In the ultra marathons I have followed(I have never run one but would love to) a good pace is typically just under 10 minute miles. ... Hey wait a minute, didn’t I read this quote from you a few pages back? “ I restated a position up above. I probably shouldn't have come back in to do that and I will leave it alone.” All in jest man. I think even a spirited conversation is healthy. I appreciate your opinion since you have probably run more long distance races than anyone else I know. I could only dream of running 3 in 3!

Ok, but for the record... which I will restate from a couple pages ago, because I'd like to see the concept acknowledged.... "ultramarathon" is an umbrella term that describes races of widely varying distances and involving wildly different course types. "just under 10 minute miles" is kind of meaningless (as it applies to a consistent treadmill run) in a technical race and/or a 100 miler... because one's pace will change a lot during such a race. And on nontechnical courses, there are lots of people who will run a 50k ultra at/near MP, but a 50 miler, even a nontechnical one, is a different, slower thing except for a very few fast people. Unlike MP, I've never heard of folks referring to their 'ultramarathon pace'. But now I kind of understand what you mean and why you were applying it to me. For the record, I am a midpack marathoner and "accidental" ultramarathoner. I'm not wired like most of my ultra friends.

Ok, we get it, running on a treadmill is not exactly bio-mechanically equavalent to running on the ground. But it's close enough. To the OP -- yes, it's ok to do your long run on a treadmill. Not fun, but it won't hurt you as long as you are mindful of small changes to your gait that might occur.

Yea but the question is actually “Is it helpful” not just is it harmful. After, running the 20 miles on the treadmill last weekend I definitely feel like I am more prepared to run the flat Myrtle beach marathon if the temp is more than 65 degrees. I am probably no more pre-pared to run it if it is 30 degrees though. I am actually considering doing another 20 or 22 this Saturday. It is supposed to be about 34 degrees with heavy rain and wind. I might see those conditions at Myrtle but it is more likely that I will just slip and fall while training in those conditions. Plus it helps to have an exact baseline from the week before. I know exactly how I ran last week so I can try to improve on that this week.

Ok, but for the record... which I will restate from a couple pages ago, because I'd like to see the concept acknowledged.... "ultramarathon" is an umbrella term that describes races of widely varying distances and involving wildly different course types. "just under 10 minute miles" is kind of meaningless (as it applies to a consistent treadmill run) in a technical race and/or a 100 miler... because one's pace will change a lot during such a race. And on nontechnical courses, there are lots of people who will run a 50k ultra at/near MP, but a 50 miler, even a nontechnical one, is a different, slower thing except for a very few fast people. Unlike MP, I've never heard of folks referring to their 'ultramarathon pace'.

I was referring to UMP as the pace for 100 miles or greater. That is what I define as an Ultra. I know the typical definition is anything greater than 26.2 but I just think 100 is the benchmark. I wouldn’t expect a 50K to be vastly different from a marathon? A 50 miler definitely but not a 50K.

I wouldn’t expect a 50K to be vastly different from a marathon? A 50 miler definitely but not a 50K.

You say this, but you laid down in the fetal position before the completion of your marathon.

I was referring to UMP as the pace for 100 miles or greater. That is what I define as an Ultra. I know the typical definition is anything greater than 26.2 but I just think 100 is the benchmark. I wouldn’t expect a 50K to be vastly different from a marathon? A 50 miler definitely but not a 50K.

Oh. See, it would help if you explained your terminology when you use terms (especially applied to others) that mean something different to you than it does to, well, just about everybody else. I agree with your last line. And would have long ago if I had known of your personal precise defn of "ultra". Enjoy your training and your race.

jesus h. christ you guys have way too much time on your hands! to the OP, you ran your 20 miles on the treadmill, so let us know how it worked for ya after myrtle. im w/ srlopez on this one though, running outside cant really compare to a treadmill. and no i haven't done a 2 hr run on a treadmill, but running on a flat gravel trail for 16 miles is way different than doing 16 on a hilly road. way different. anyways, continue on w/ your argument over heel strike and the biomechanical effects of whatever while i go outside and run... (im actually not going outside, it just sounded good to put that in...)

I do have to say, this has been a really enjoyable thread, Just one question. I know, I'm not as educated as most of the participants of this thread, but how does a Garmin work on a tread mill?????