Depressing Question (Read 2147 times)

Today I ran in 2 inches of slush and had to dive into the 6 foot snowbank a few times to avoid being killed by oncoming traffic

Sunday I had a good run until I was on a back road that was covered with alternating slush and ice.  A big truck came barreling at me at about 50 MPH and just pelted me with a perfect wave of slush from head to toe.  I figured about a 90% chance this was done on purpose, so congrats to him.  What the hell do I care, I'm just a pedestrian and there may be splashy trucks in Boston.  This has absolutely nothing to do with treadmills.  I am, however, having an affair with a particular treadmill at the Y that has a fan blowing on it.  I will be on her later this morning in fact.    

 

But while we're on the topic of treadmills here, has anybody tried out the Proform treadmills I've seen at Sports Authority that have the ifit hookup so you can punch in a route on google maps and it will automatically handle changing the incline and stuff for you?

Now if it did DEcline too, this would be an awesome feature.

I've been on and off again about getting a treadmill but don't want to lay out big, big bucks. Problem is that I've got a tendency to cause an "out of order" sign on my gym's treadmills every three months or so, usually with a long progression runs with lots of miles under 7 min. I'm wondering if I got a basic model and only did easy (8 min) miles, no more than 6 or 7 at a wack I'd be "safe" or is that still pretty rough considering that I'm usually about 180 lbs? The thinking here is that I'd run workouts and long elsewhere but this would give me much more scheduling flexibility on the easy/recovery miles. I'm guessing this logic is probably somehow flawed.

Anyone have any recommendation for a treadmill for home use? I hate the idea, but DW is having a hard time getting mileage in outside...what with 9 feet of snow and a 15 month old hangin about.

 

I'd hate to be into one for any more than $1,000...and typing that just made my stomach turn. Nordic Trac C900 looked ok, but my only treadmill experience is with commercial grade equipment at the gym (Cybex, I believe).

 

Any help would be great.

I've had a Pacemaster Gold Elite since 2005. Paid 1800.00. As far as customer support and no hassles with warranty, Pacemaster has been excellent. Both  TM repair guys say the company is the best as far as that goes. The first one we bought had an unfixable electrical/computer problem, and they replaced the whole TM free-of charge. That happened early on. SInce we got the new one, we replaced the motor once a few months ago, after 5 years of use. I wore the sucker out I guess, it was still working as far as speed goes, but developed a high pitch whine, Again, they replaced it free without hassle. No making the repair guy pul apart the motor and rebuilding, just "Okay, a new one will be there, pronto." (10 years on the motor. just paid for labor as I've had it over the 5 year limit).  Add up all the costs of the TM and the repair for 6 years: still much cheaper than two people joining a gym to use their TM. I foresee having this thing at least another 5 or more. As long as they have replacement parts past the warranty.

If you use it often, repairs and maintenance will come up. I can vouch for Pacemaster.

Also American made if that's something you believe in.

--Jimmy

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like a Sole might be a good way to go. I know a guy that owns some hotels...he may be able to help me get a deal (fitness rooms).

"I'm a halfling"---made me laugh.

But while we're on the topic of treadmills here, has anybody tried out the Proform treadmills I've seen at Sports Authority that have the ifit hookup so you can punch in a route on google maps and it will automatically handle changing the incline and stuff for you?

Proform, no, but I did just buy a 2011 NordicTrack 1750 which has both iFit and decline.  I love the option of creating google maps, and having the treadmill simulate the terrain.  I ran along Malibu Beach the other day.  I saw the ocean, and people on bikes.  It was nice considering there was snow on the ground outside.  The 1750 goes for $1499.  It is less if you do a search for NordicTrack coupons.  Check http://www.nordictrackcoupons.com/

 I recommend iFit.  It makes treadmill running a lot more fun.  You can compete in races.  You can do a practice run on a course that you can't physically get to to train.  I give it an A+.

Well, I guess you could throw some mud on it, but that would be a bad idea.  I am training for a road marathon so hopefully no roots or mud.  I do know what buildings I will be looking at  while I run and about how the hills should feel and where they will occur.  

Actually, I haven't seen mud in a long time. It has been frozen under the ice and snow.  I always prefer to run outdoors but ice makes roads slippery and passing vehicles more dangerous.  Usually when I can't run outdoors due to weather, I don't want to be in a vehicle on the roads so the gym option kinda goes away. I decided to cancel the gym membership and buy the treadmill. 

I recently purchased a proform HSN (on line) free freight, and it was under 700.00, really happy with it. I hate to run insdie as well, but sometimres. You can also move this one easily. Check it out, its a good deal. I believe the model was ProForm Step up treadmill.