That’s right. Somehow over the last 3 months, I’ve run more miles on the treadmill than I have outside. And I’ve come to accept that.
I’ve had a treadmill for 12 or so years. I don’t remember exactly when we bought one, but it was sometime right before or after Shoo (who is now 12) was born. I know this because I remember putting him down for a nap on the bed next to the treadmill and running while he slept. That treadmill was my lifeline when he was little because he refused to nap in a stroller. (Jones, on the other hand, used to nap for HOURS as long as the stroller or the car was moving…) So, I’d drop Jones at preschool, get Shoo down for a nap, and run for as long as he’d sleep.
But once the kids got older, I only used the treadmill when the weather was dangerous for running or when Beer Geek was on travel and I didn’t manage a run while the kids were at school. In fact, Beer Geek walked on it way more often than I ran on it.
So, I’ve always considered the treadmill my work out of last resort. I once ran 8 miles on a one mile loop of snow free pavement to avoid hitting the treadmill.
Things have changed this winter. One part is that many of my runs are before or after (or both) a specific workout from the Faster Way. If I’m lifting in a tank top and skirt, but it’s 30 degrees out, I’m not going to be trying to shove my sweaty body into outdoor running clothes.
It’s much easier to just hop on the ‘mill. And given the option to jump on the treadmill when it’s windy and grey, yeah, I’m on it. I’m going to pretend that running in my warm porch (because you know I have that heater cranked) is going to prepare me for the warm runs that are ahead this summer. Either that or it’s going to prepare me to run on it with the AC cranked LOL.
Wondering how I survive doing so many runs on the treadmill?
- Speedwork – I love doing intervals on the treadmill. It’s a good workout and it makes the time fly by.
- A good book – I’ve learned how to read on my iPad while I’m running up to about a 10 minute pace. In fact, on days when I don’t want to run, I bribe myself with a book on the treadmill. Because I always want to read.
- Pyramids – Changing the speed regularly keeps me engaged. So, I start slow and work my way up to a not quite tempo pace and then work my way back down. Depending on the mileage I’m looking for, I may do this multiple times.
- You Tube and Facebook Live videos – I’m not one who has the attention span to watch a movie. Nor am I entertained by audiobooks or podcasts. But I’ve found that if I can find something informative (about nutrition or health or what new skirts Skirt Sports is coming out with LOL), I can usually watch about 30 minutes before I get bored.
Looking to get a treadmill? Here are my tips for buying a new one and a review of the Nordictrack treadmill that I use. I’ve also got some tips for training for a marathon on a treadmill.
Do you use a treadmill or you an “outside at all times, regardless of the weather” kind of person? If you use one, what are your tips for making it enjoyable?
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Ive had a treadmill for only 2 months but I feel like we’ve used it a lot already. I could see myself not using it as much in the warmer months but then again its so convenient…I feel like it saves time in the morning when I run before work. The one I have doesn’t have anywhere to put an iPad but I think I can buy something to put over it. I think that would help to be able to watch some entertainment or read while I run!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…The Benefits of a Home Treadmill and Initial Thoughts on the NordicTrack 2950
I also have used the treadmill way more this year than usual. Blame it on the weather – colder and icier- or who knows. I miss running outside though. I hope spring comes soon but we have morew snow in the forecast for later this week!
Melissa recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Not a Lotta Running
While I definitely prefer to run outside, I embrace the treadmill too. It’s been a while since I’ve been on it, but pretty sure that’s gonna happen this week since another multi day snowstorm is predicted (of course they didn’t predict the last one, so maybe we won’t get so much!).
I like it for speedwork, too. It feels harder but it’s easier to hit paces. And it takes less time to throw on a skirt & tank vs a gazillion layers!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Brash: Ok or not OK?
I’m impressed that you can read on the treadmill. I’m not prone to motion sickness, but I think reading while running my just put me over the top!
Wendy recently posted…My Blog Post Went Viral and I Freaked Out
I am pretty much an “outdoors at all times” runner…but I have succumbed to the mill a few times when there’s been excessive ice. That said, I can handle the ‘mill if I do progressive 1/4 miles or intervals…if I keep doing each 1/4 faster and faster, I get done quicker, right? 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…My Journey with Milly
I have trouble running consistently on the treadmill, but I don’t mind using it. I usually can put a show on to ass the time. Podcasts an audio books I’d have to listen to while outside.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…1,2,3 The Mill is Good Enough for Me
I agree that I really love the convenience of the treadmill, especially because I have one in my basement!
Kim G recently posted…Tunes Tuesday 3.6 – Shamrock Marathon Jams
I probably should be an outdoors regardless person, but I spent so much time in college training outside, I’m kind of over it. If it’s a great day, I’m outside with the sunscreen. If there’s any hint of cold, I wimp out.
I am definitely a run outside in all kinds of weather kind of gal!
Wendy recently posted…WTF (Winter Trail Fest) Half Marathon Recap
I run on the treadmill often at the gym because I can take my kids with me to the gym child care. I don’t hate it but I definitely agree that it helps to switch up the pace and incline frequently!
I bought my mill right before Thing 1 was born so it’s 17 now. Yikes! I can totally relate to how it was a lifeline for you when the kids were little.
Marcia recently posted…Gasparilla Distance Classic: Half Marathon
I cannot imagine reading a book while running. I am moving too much and then cannot concentrate on reading. I feel like I am going to fall.
I’m glad you learned to love the treadmill. I hate them with a passion. I’ve done no more than 8 miles on a treamill (last summer, when we got a storm and I had a marathon training run on my schedule) and it was horrible. Even listening to an audio book didn’t help. Sometimes I can do short speed intervals on one, but I’m the “run outdoors no matter the weather” type. The only time I don’t do that is if it’s lightning outside, because lightning in Florida is no joke!
Montana Ross recently posted…runDisney’s Princess Fairy Tale Challenge 2018
I’m seeing a lot of the NordicTrack treadmill and I’m seriously thinking of investing in one soon! It’s got to be a great convenience to have at home. I’ve actually never tried reading a book while on the treadmill!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…March Running Goals and February Recap