Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: Tips for running on the treadmill? You can write about this or any running related topic. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post.
It’s no secret that the treadmill and I get along just fine. A majority of my runs this year have been on the treadmill and I absolutely have no complaints about that. Hitting the treadmill for a few miles early in the morning just works better with my schedule. I know that some runners have a very negative few about running on the treadmill, but I’m here to share a few tips on how to make it more enjoyable.
Set Yourself up for Success
You should treat your treadmill run just like an outdoor run. Make sure you have everything you need within arms reach. When I run outside, I always run with water, my phone and headphones, so all of those things are included for my treadmill run as well. I also keep workout towel nearby since I sweat a lot – it just makes the run more enjoyable.
Don’t focus on the numbers
Cover the time/distance section on your treadmill. I use my Apple watch for my indoor runs so there’s no need for me to stare at the time on the treadmill. If anything, this can make the run go by SO MUCH SLOWER! Covering the time/distance allows you to focus on your form and breathing instead of “OMG I have X minutes left for this run”. I know this only applies for the Peloton treadmill, but I find that zoning in my focus on the instructor and their cues makes the time fly by, especially for 45-60 min treadmill runs.
Distractions can be good
Having something to focus on, besides logging the miles, can be super helpful when running on the treadmill. I’m a big fan of listening to music because you can switch up the tempo of your run based on the songs. One thing I like to do sometimes is chorus pickups – running faster during the chorus of the song. It’s a nice way to get in speedwork too. Or if you’re just looking to log the miles at a ‘sexy pace’, you can watch your favorite TV show or movie during a run. When your focus is on something else, it makes the time go by quickly.
Tell me: What are your tips for running on the treadmill?
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Ha, yes, Kim, I’m one of those runners who avoid the treadmill at all costs.
Having said that, I have never run with an instructor. I can imagine that this would be a totally different experience and that time would fly by MUCH faster if I could focus on a class.
Watching the minutes ticking by definitely slows down time!
I think the classes make the runs go by so much quicker vs when I just run with music.
I didn’t even mention running with apps (on my blog post) since I’ve never done it myself, but I know that’s a great alternative to just running “naked” like I do most of the time. I have to switch up the pace and incline (almost every 1/4-mile) to keep things from getting dreadfully boring, so having an instructor cueing those intervals would be a great distraction. Milly is still in hibernation mode…not sure if we’ll be able to revive her or if we’ll need to send her over the “treadmill rainbow.”
Switching up the incline and pace is a great way for the run to go by faster.
You all know I am not a fan of the treadmill! I like how you make it work for you. I will do intervals, which helps break things up. I will also run for time and not distance since my pace is different on the mill. For runners, the TM is a necessary evil, that is for sure!
I love doing intervals on the treadmill. Such a nice way to break up a boring treadmill run and you get in some speedwork!
Treadmill running is still not an option for me . . . .hoping for a deal on Black Friday, maybe? There have been quite a few times I’ve missed it recently! I too keep a towel on mine. It’s necessary. 🙂
My treadmill is where I use Peloton. That makes it much easier (although usually harder, physically, not mentally — at the same time!).
My only other tip is don’t call it something negative like dreadmill. Of course you’re going to hate it if you call it that!
I hope you are able to find a great Black Friday deal on a treadmill 🙂 That’s a really good tip about not calling it something negative – having a positive attitude is half the battle!
At the present time I do not have access to a dreadmill. I have used one in the past at my free gym and in hotels. It was a necessary evil.
Your tips are right on. ESP. Do not look at pace. And watch TV.
I survived last winter outdoors. I hope I can this year as well.
yup – blocking out my pace is how I get through most runs. If not, I focus on it way too much.
I really don’t mine the treadmill (I guess I just like any kind of running, anywhere!). I don’t use one much but when I do, I always listen to podcasts or music. I’ve never tried an actual class, but I’ll bet that would be amazing- probably a great workout and the time would fly by.
I have a lot of friends that listen to podcasts when running outside or on the treadmill. I don’t really listen to podcasts but I can see how they would be useful to listen to while running.
Due to the pandemic, I did more of my miles on the treadmill. Now with my schedule, I hardly run outside. I love using the Peloton classes to run on the Tread and honestly wouldn’t be able to run on a treadmill without one!
I totally agree! I used the Peloton app on my phone with my old treadmill but the Peloton treadmill is just so much better.
Your tips are wise and I am glad you like the treadmill. On the contrary I don’t like and now I don’t have anymore it at home.
I admit that It helped me a lot to recover after the injures and during the training for the marahon in 2006 (I couldn’t skip a single workout, so I ran on it when outside there was a rainstorm). After that I learned to run under the rain!
I’m glad that the treadmill was able to help you recover from injuries.
Well, you know how I feel about treadmill running LOL But I’m grateful that I own one, particularly when the roads are icy.
All great tips – especially covering the numbers. Even though I don’t have a Peloton treadmill, I do find running with the app much more enjoyable.
LOL, i know I’m in the minority as far as my love for the treadmill 🙂 It definitely comes in handy during the Winter months.
As you know, I am not a treadmill run person. It is for emergency use only. Ha ha. If I had the Peloton tread? maybe! At least you don’t have to worry about the weather!
I definitely appreciate my treadmill more in the Winter, especially when it’s icy outside.