Treadmills: Maybe They're Not That Bad

Another snow day

When better than a snow day to blog about treadmills?  Lots of runners call them dreadmills, & I've probably said that once or twice myself.  But since I committed to start training for the Mini with Team Blue Mile, and we have had LOTS of snow days so far this year, I have been hitting the treadmill at the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center twice a week.

Treadmill selfie

At first I really struggled - running 30 minutes on the treadmill seemed a lot harder than running 30 minutes outside.  But I wasn't out of breath, my legs weren't tired, & I wasn't in any pain anywhere; so why was I struggling?  After really thinking about it, I realized it was because I was bored.

I switched from listening to music to an audio book, but even though it was a really good book it still didn't change anything.  Then I tried a funny podcast, and listening to something funny seems to work for me.  So there's my first suggestion: change up what you are listening to and see if that helps.  Here in no particular order are a few of my fave podcasts (links go to their websites, but all are also available on iTunes):

1. Brant Hansen from Air1
2. Nerdist
3. Nerd Lunch
4. Nurture and Support

   

   Workout summary

My second suggestion is to change up what you are doing.  I read an article which I can't find now to link to, but it said that you get a lot more out of a treadmill workout by varying the speed and/or incline every few minutes.  You can find plans online, use a preprogrammed workout on the treadmill, or do what I've been doing & just watch the timer & change the speed, incline, or both every 2 minutes.  It really does make the workout seem faster, definitely more interesting, and more challenging physically.

I still much prefer running outside, but I no longer hate the treadmill. Anyone else?