I’ll be the first to ask — a treadmill, but why? After all, there is so much beauty and possibilities out there in the real world, ya know, OUTSIDE! The world is treadmill and I’m ready to run all over it. Give me a street, give me a city, give me a trail, and I’m all about it.
But let’s not knock something until we have at least given it a fair shot. I’m sure, like me, you’ve jumped on a treadmill ready to knock out 10-miles, and 20 minutes into it you are like “this is for the birds” and jumped off swearing you will never do it again. What would you tell a first-time runner if they stopped 20 minutes into a run outside. Exactly. It can get better, you just have to give it a chance.
I’m not saying I’m a treadmill expert — let’s face it, I’m no @RunEMZ (there can only be ONE). Most days I walk away thinking an hour is an EPIC win of mass proportions. But the treadmill has its perks and can be a nice addition to your regular training program just like a track workout.
Let’s take a look at 3 reasons you should give it a try:
PACE
Treadmills now-a-days are state-of-the-art pieces of equipment. In most cases, it will tell you what your splits will be rather than you having to try to figure out what speed a 4.6 equates to in pace per mile. It’s removed the difficulty in finding that consistent pace outside and trying to hold it. Imagine your next 5-mile run like this: Mile 1 (9:30), Mile 2 (9:20), Mile 3 (9:20), Mile 4 (9:10) Mile 5 (9:00). You can replace those numbers with a pace faster or slower, but if you could determine that each mile was going to be faster and faster and workout to negative splits, wouldn’t you take it? Now factor in not having to worry about stop lights, dogs on leashes, getting lost, stopping for water, etc., and now you can focus solely only holding that pace.
THE UPS AND DOWNS
We all want that flat route — and we want it for as long as we can take it. The beauty about a treadmill is that it’s as flat as a pancake, if that’s what you want. If you don’t want your pace altered by an incline/decline, the treadmill can help you with that. Conversely, if you like in a relatively flat area and you want to work in some hills, just tap a button and you’ve got yourself an incline. Certain models are equipped with declines if you are looking for some downhill training, and almost all models have built-in INTERVAL training so that you can get the best of both worlds. Just like when you are outside and you think “just to the top of that hill,” you can do the same on a treadmill “just 30 seconds.” The treadmill is a completely customizable terrain.
YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE
It’s funny, but it’s true — and it can be to your advantage. The challenge with an out-and-back route is that you are pretty much stuck to it. If you go out 5-miles, you’ve got to make the return trip of another 5-miles, even if you don’t want to. The convenience of running in place is that if something comes up, an emergency, an injury flare up, anything, you can simply slow down and stop. No need to worry about how you are going to cover the remaining miles to your car/home. Some days we just don’t have it and if you need to cut your run short, you are not left having to walk miles back to where you started. This also has its perks for hydration/fuel needs, and of course, bathroom breaks. It’s relatively pretty easy to pause a workout and resume as needed. Often times when you are out on the roads/trails you have to make the decision: now or later.
So what now?
As I said above, I’m not a treadmill aficionado. I recently asked the question on Instagram “how many miles” could people run on a treadmill and was amazed by the answers. I’ve never gone more than 90 minutes on a treadmill, but I know that Personally, the majority of my runs are going to happen outside — heck, there is reason this blog is called what it is — but I also know that being able to control certain factors has it’s place in a well-thought out training plan. Mixing up your workout is always a good thing, and when it can strengthen your mental ability to keep moving forward (even when you are running in place) it can be even better. Just give it a try.
Share your BEST or WORST experience on a treadmill:
Treadmills definitely have their place! Running outside is always my first choice, but with 3 little ones, that’s not always an option, (and running on a treadmill is still better than running with a jogging stroller)!
I once ran 17 miles on a treadmill, and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be… I kind of liked not having to plan a route or plant my water somewhere, and it felt like a pretty big accomplishment when I was done.
Your reasons are definitely correct, especially if you have something that is bothering you that you need to keep an eye on. Choosing your terrain is also a great option to have.
Sometimes it is important to use the treadmill, especially when it is dangerous outside. Sometimes we can get so stubborn thinking we are so tough, that we HAVE to go out there to be real runners, but realistically no one is going to care when you get hurt. We actually made an info graphic this week to give some fun treadmill workouts. If you are interested, you can check it out here http://runnersconnect.net/running-infographic/treadmill-workouts/
I just did a very similar post. I LOVE the treadmill, I’m kind of on RunEMZ level, especially in the winter.
I actually like the treadmill. I live in Connecticut so during the winter its almost impossible to do every single run outside, so I often have to do training runs on the treadmill. I’ve actually done a few long runs as well – 10-13 miles. For me I need two things – a great playlist and a towel to cover up the time clock on the tradmill.
I have to rely on the treadmill a lot since I’m a single mama and have to do the majority of my runs when my little guy is sleeping. I appreciate it and am thankful
for it! I will always pick running outside first even if that meams pushing my not-so-little guy in a running stroller!
My favourite treadmill memory is running a half marathon, on if, because it was -35 degrees outside and the race I had planned was reduced to a 5K! I still wanted to do the distance so I ran the half (in just under 2 hours) and then went and did the 5K race outside. It was HARD but I had a movie to keep my mind busy!
Great post!!
I’ll never LOVE the treadmill but I will go on it if need be. The most I’ve ever done was 8 miles and it wasn’t as horrible as I thought. But I’m still not going to do it all the time!
Mornings are the only time during the work week that I can squeeze in a run, and 4am outside by myself is never appealing, so it run to the treadmill, which has gotten me through 3 half marathon training cycles. I used to dread it but now it’s become an important part of my run life. I have used it for hills, speed work, and long runs. I am one of those people who have learned to embrace and come to love the treadmil.
I don’t do a ton of long runs on my treadmill but when B was young I used to do a lot of shorter runs while he napped!
I live by the beach so my preferred running location is at the beach, but I also like throwing in treadmill runs! Sometimes I need to get in a run early in the morning or late at night so indoors running is probably a little safer. And like you said, treadmill running can really help with pacing!
I appreciate the opportunities and convenience that the treadmill offers. In Indiana, the weather can be challenging, and I’m not a fan of slipping and sliding. Especially now that I’m pregnant. I used to think it was less of a run but I could care less now.
This is very timely as it just snowed 3 feet here in Boston! I can’t imagine many people’s running routes are even close to being cleared!
While I’m not running now due to pregnancy, I trained for most of my last marathon on the treadmill since I had to run in the winter. It was definitely a love hate relationship but it’s a great option when you need it!
Running on the treadmill was how I first started running. Then I gradually moved to running outdoors and started loathing going back indoors. For almost two years since starting to run, I never stepped on a treadmill. I had the luxury of running in a safe neighborhood with great routes.
However, I moved to Boston last fall for grad school, and with my busy schedule, I don’t have time to run during daylight hours. I’m a wimp when it comes to snow and ice, and I worry about my safety when running in the dark. Which is why I moved indoors for the winter. It’s better than nothing! And about a week ago, I knocked back 24 miles on the ‘mill for my 24th bday :) It was tough, but I felt amazing afterwards!
I can admit it – I am a treadmill addict. I like having my tv handy, it’s the easiest way to watch football games without my kids throwing things at me. Also I’m never very far away from a water source or bathroom and don’t have to worry about my garmin losing reception to get an accurate mileage count. The speed & distance counters make the whole thing worth it! Running intervals where all I have to do is keep up with the belt is much more accurate than trying to do that on a track. And the belt keeps my tempo when my legs might give out if I was outside. totally addicted.
I actually fell off the treadmill doing sprints at 11mph one day, in a packed gym!!! I hit it wrong with my foot and went tumbling off the back, burning my knee and elbow in the process. I had PTSD running treadmill sprints for the next 4 months!
Every winter it takes me awhile to get used to the treadmill again but then I get in a groove and I don’t mind it so much. I run early in the morning and don’t like running in the dark so the majority of my runs are on the treadmill these days.
My worst treadmill story: Once I was running an incline workout and while I was at an 8 incline I wanted to switch to a 10 incline but accidentally switched to 10 SPEED. Somehow I hung on and didn’t fly off the treadmill but it was certainly scary!
I need to get into the Treadmill! You would think living here in Canada I would spend a lot of time on the mill, but mentally I struggle with it. I just get so BORED!!! I gotta work on it!
I just did 45 miles one day last week – that is my treadmill record (so far:). I actually love running on my treadmill!!
You don’t have to tell me 2x to get my work out on in the gym…. I am such a gym rat! Hisssss (that’s the noise rats make, right?)
I am a treadmill person since I am in the gym most days & only one outside day. If I lived in a less crowded place, I may run outside more but I don’t like driving to places to have to exercise… I really don’t have the extra time for that on weekdays. :)
I have to play with speed or incline on the treadmill. I would go bonkers doing a steady state run! My worst treadmill experience was at a stiffling hotel gym. It was so warm I had to quit and brave the streets outside.
I think the first 15 minutes or so on the treadmill are the worst, and it seems to gradually get a little better after that, for me at least. The first few minutes really seem to drag! I think its all about staying somewhat distracted and not thinking about each .01 mile that has passed. I do think that it can be helpful for certain types of runs since you have control over pace and incline.
I use to HATE running on the treadmill but now I’m a huge fan. It’s easy (read: convenient) for me to get a long run in before work without putting much thought/planning into it. My pace has gotten more consistent, I can do speed work, hill work, etc. Plus, there’s a built-in tv so I can catch my favorite TV show or the news. I think it makes it go by a WHOLE lot faster.
I like doing speed work on the treadmill bc it is so easy to adjust your pace.
I’m a treadmill fan – especially when I’m stuck at home with kids. Or when I have to run super early in the morning.
I absolutely hate the treadmill, but the proximity to water, fuel and a bathroom (not to mention lack of stray dogs!) are really strong selling points! Thanks for linking up with us!