I was provided the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion in this sponsored post.
Last winter, I did not have a treadmill. My old one died after 10 faithful years of service and my new NordicTrack Commercial 1250 had not arrived yet. Thankfully, I did not have a spring marathon in the plans, because we got hit with 23″ of snow IN ONE WEEKEND last winter. I’ll train outside in all kinds of weather, but it’s kind of hard to train when all the surfaces are covered with over a foot of snow! I know a lot of people who put in a lot of miles on treadmills last winter.
Luckily, by the time I need to start training for the Marine Corps Marathon, my new treadmill had arrived. Unfortunately, so had summer, which in Virginia can mean temps in the high 90s with matching humidity. While I am admittedly undertrained, I can only imagine how much worse my training would have gone. For me, like many runners, running on a treadmill was an integral part of my marathon training, so here are some tips to incorporate a treadmill into a training plan.
Tips for Marathon Training on the Treadmill
- Use the treadmill for your shorter runs – For most of us, shorter is better on the treadmill. Plus, with the treadmill, you can set it for specific paces and then just run, which is great for speed work. I know my NordicTrack treadmill also has a ton of preset workouts that you can choose.
- Proceed with caution with the incline options – I love that the NordicTrack has an incline from -3% to 15% (since my floor isn’t flat, we tend to use ours at -1-2%), but you need to be careful about the more extreme inclines. Use them judiciously. Personally, I find that running on the incline changes my gait, so I use it very sporadically for short periods of time.
- Vary your speed during your long runs – Not only does this help you break things up mentally, it also gives your body a bit of a change. Now, I’m not saying run a 7 minute mile pace when you should be doing a 12 minute mile. I’m just saying that changing up the speed by small amounts can make a long run more bearable.
- Make sure you have entertainment – I’m lucky because the NordicTrack treadmill I have has iFit technology. This means I can run specific routes. It also means I can surf the web or watch a video on the internet. I’ve also discovered that I can read on my tablet up to about a 10:45 mile pace. This is great for my longer runs and recovery runs. Just bump the words up to granny size and go! If all else fails, it’s a great way to fit in a Netflix marathon.
- Use it as an opportunity to test your fueling – Practice the timing of food and water or try out something new. Then if something doesn’t work for you, the bathroom is never far away…
Do you incorporate treadmill runs into your race training? Voluntarily or out of necessity? What’s your best tip?
Disclaimer: I was provided the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. All opinions and pictures are my own.
I’ve definitely used the treadmill as part of my training. It helps when things don’t fit into daylight hours or in bad weather, like you said. I’ve definitely binge watched a lot of Netflix on the treadmill. This one looks grea,t I love all those programmable workouts.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – Lessons from my first trail run
I love using the treadmill for speed work. If I have to use it for a longer run, then I turn to watching old TV shows on the iPad to help keep me entertained.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Costumes for Wine and Dine Weekend
Out of necessity most of the time. It’s not feeling like fall, but I took the opportunity to push my distance a little bit on Tuesday. I figured since the treadmill is flat, why not?
Lesley recently posted…Friday Five: Tim Burton
Living in Florida you will rarely catch me on a treadmill! Looks like you got a nice one! I can’t imagine training year round in your neck of the woods without one!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Runfessions- Something New!
Great Tips and that looks like a sweet treadmill! I have to say I actually do not mind the treadmill at all!
I was a devoted ‘mill gal my first year of running, but once I went outside it was all over. I run on my ‘mill in times of absolute desperation…maybe 3-4 times over the entire (Iowa) winter. I’m just about to taper for my marathon, and I’ve only done one run on the ‘mill…..more as an experiment (speed intervals) than necessity.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Let’s be honest…
I would kill for that treadmill. It would make indoor training just about worth it! Right now, I’m just not yet ready for the early morning dark cold runs yet. I just am not ready.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Five Must Read Articles About Humanity
I am starting to wish that I had a treadmill at home…maybe one day! I think the treadmill is a great training tool. I prefer to use it for interval runs for sure! I’ve never used one with a negative incline though, this looks like a great treadmill.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…2016 Perfect 10 Miler Race Recap
Nice review. I’ve got that ancient 20 year old ProForm–I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to use it. Every time I fire it up, I’m surprised when it works! I’ll have to keep the Nordic Track in mind.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions: October Edition
Great tips. I did a tone of treadmill running in 2014 and it made a big difference in my running. My husband was working away so it was my only chance to run at night when my little kids went to bed. I love having one in my home.
I honestly don’t mind running on the treadmill. But it is usually for shorter distances. If I do longer runs on it it is not consistent and I definitely have to have some entertainment. I think that Ifit technology sounds great!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Halloween Memories
This really sounds like a fantastic treadmill. I haven’t been using mine since I’ve been going to OTF but when I do I definitely need to vary the pace/incline and have entertainment!
Coco recently posted…Spooky Runfessions
So I absolutely love my treadmill (also a NorticTrack that I’ve had nearly 6 years). During tough winter and summer weather, it can definitely be a way to stay on track. I’ve actually done runs up to 15 miles on mine. Other than having great entertainment, I also try to run it in chunks of 3 or 4 miles with household chores in between. That helps keep things more bearable. How lucky that you were provided with such an amazing piece of equipment!
Lindsay Loves Running recently posted…Friday Five October Runfessions
Great tips. I have used a treadmill as part of my training, but I definitely have a love hate relationship with it. I much prefer to be outdoors, but sometimes the treadmill is a necessary evil.
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…Prepping For The Pool #SwimWithSpeedo #AD
I enjoy hopping on the treadmill for shorter runs and speed work. I don’t really watch TV, so heading to the gym and getting on the treadmill is also my TV entertainment time. This treadmill sounds pretty awesome. I love that you can pick a route and run it!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Five Last Minute Halloween Costumes
Sounds good a fantastic treadmill. I’m trying to do running. I also have used a treadmill for my training. It’s great!
James Gross recently posted…How Long Should You Hold A Stretch
Hi Erika,
Do you have any tips for 5k training on the treadmill?
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Theresa