I hate the treadmill, but winter is coming...any tips?
kvansteen
Posts: 82 Member
I have fell in love with running outside. My problem is that I live in the midwest and winter is going to be upon us sooner than I wish. I can bundle up some days and manage, but I would like to continue running about 3x a week. I have a gym at my college that I can use for free, and I have tried it a couple of times. My problem is that I hate the treadmill. I'm afraid I'm going to trip and bang my face. I also am constantly playing with the settings and cannot find a "routine" that I enjoy. I cannot figure out how to preprogram it either. I would like to set it so I can do my Couch to 10k, but I don't know how. Also, I get bored because the "scenery" doesn't change. I don't know, anyone have any tips?
0
Replies
-
I live in Minnesota and plan to run outside all winter long. Watch the forecast and dress for the weather.0
-
^ that
stationary bike is good if you don't like the tm
you could make a distance game of it..0 -
I am using indoor tracks, but you could also just dress warmer.0
-
wear lots of clothes? I don't know - I hate treadmill too - so I only do HIIT on it. quick, easy, burns lots of cals and done before you even know it.0
-
I actually don't mind the treadmill. I tune into a show that I like and do commercial intervals (I do the same thing when I ride my bicycle inside too).
Jog or walk briskly during the show, then when the commercial comes on, run fast for the duration of the commercial. Or when cycling inside, I ride at a steady pace when the show is on, then ride flat out as hard as I can during the commercial. Then recover when the show comes back on.
Half and hour or an hour goes by in no time.
0 -
No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes and gear. If you want to run inside though, I find running intervals makes the treadmill bearable.0
-
I have my treadmill set up in the garage, its set up in front of a tv that plays dvds, I have lots of sets of dvds that I am treadmilling my way through, currently watching Heroes.0
-
Learn to like the cold?
I have a trainer set up on one of my bikes and watch tv on the bike
At a pint it just isn't as much fun as riding outside but it is what it is
I have an elliptical for a change up but it is still inside
The gym is a nice change up too0 -
Try taping your current runs now for playback on the dvr. There are also commercially made scenery videos you can buy. Just Google exercise scenery video.0
-
Doesn't the college have an inside track? Our local university has a track around the upper level of the basketball court.0
-
Another vote for finding an inside track. When I was snowbound last winter I joined the Y for a month for their elevated track. I hate the treadmill too.0
-
lunges and squats without weights....just thinking out loud....i do them to warm up0
-
beemerphile1 wrote: »Doesn't the college have an inside track? Our local university has a track around the upper level of the basketball court.
It's a small community college so unfortunately no. So it appears I just need to get winter weather gear. Anyone have any cost effective tips for running in the snow?0 -
I have fell in love with running outside. My problem is that I live in the midwest and winter is going to be upon us sooner than I wish. I can bundle up some days and manage, but I would like to continue running about 3x a week. I have a gym at my college that I can use for free, and I have tried it a couple of times. My problem is that I hate the treadmill. I'm afraid I'm going to trip and bang my face. I also am constantly playing with the settings and cannot find a "routine" that I enjoy. I cannot figure out how to preprogram it either. I would like to set it so I can do my Couch to 10k, but I don't know how. Also, I get bored because the "scenery" doesn't change. I don't know, anyone have any tips?
Ask someone who works there to show you how to use the settings. Most have a button to quick toggle between two speeds, which makes your run/walk intervals easy if you're doing those on your program.
I like the treadmill only if I set it and forget it - in fact, I put a towel over the screen so I can't watch the numbers go by, which helps a lot. I use both the manual (just setting it to whatever pace and incline I want and then leaving it) and the preprogrammed (hill intervals and that kind of thing) depending on what's on my training schedule, and I try to do a mix of long slow distance, tempo runs (where I do some miles slower, some faster), and hills/sprint intervals. Keeps it more interesting. I use the Zombies, Run! app too (which has a treadmill tracking option) to keep my mind a little more occupied. I've also gotten to the point where I can read an ebook on my tablet with the font enlarged a bit while I run, which really makes the time fly but makes some people sick/dizzy so might not be for you. I find it a lot easier to do my long runs with those or even an audiobook.
There are other options, as people have already mentioned, from bundling up to indoor tracks, but the treadmill is convenient and it's not hard to get used to with a few attempts if it's a solution you want to pursue.0 -
camilacreme wrote: »wear lots of clothes? I don't know - I hate treadmill too - so I only do HIIT on it. quick, easy, burns lots of cals and done before you even know it.
^^this.
As far as running in the snow, it's really not much different than regular running. I don't use spikes if there isn't ice. It feels kind of squishy under your feet, think sand, but your traction will be okay if you slow down when you feel slippery.0 -
My preferred cardiovascular exercise is cycling outdoors...but when winter comes, I do far less of that though I still get out on nicer days. I don't really like droning away on cardio machines, but basically when winter rolls around I suck it up for a few days per week and just do what I have to do...it's temporary...Spring will come around again pretty quickly.
I also spend more time in the weight room in the winter and tend to do less cardio work in general during the winter months...basically just enough to maintain a reasonable base to work with once Spring rolls around and I start getting my miles in again.
If you're so inclined, you could do more circuit training/boot camp type of stuff at the gym and get a reasonably good cardio workout in with the added benefit of a little resistance work. Sometimes it's good to do something different..I enjoy training in seasons and it fends off boredom.0 -
i live in the Midwest. I plan on running outside. I got gortex trail running shoes, fleece lined leggings and shirts, warm head band, gloves. I still plan on getting a buff and/or turtle fur for my my neck and face
I have a light jacket to help with wind and wet weather. I might get yaktraks.
One thing I've been making sure of is that I am visible. most items i have are at least somewhat reflective0 -
There are some great treadmill workouts in Pinterest, check em out. Having to focus on just the current interval makes the time fly by.
0 -
I switch out to metabolic circuits in the winter and do some ladder/cone drills. I also love skipping. For example, Sometimes I'll alternate between skipping, lateral moving kettlebell swings or walking swings and rowing either for time, reps/distance.
One of the other treadmill workouts I do is to mix up sprinting, lateral shuffle and backward shuffle. Another alternative is to do some no power treadmill sprints...put the treadmill into a slight incline & sprint as hard as you can for 10-30 secs. Then do a light jog or walk interval to recover.
Anyways just some thoughts but I hear you on the winter weather it sucks.0 -
I use a few apps that help pass the time. Spotify always for music, and then Zombies, Run! is another one that is kind of fun. Also Bit Gym allows you to choose a city to run through, and it pops up interesting tidbits about the area. I get 3 free workouts per month and in my opinion the upgrade is a little pricey so I just stick with the limited amount of runs.0
-
Nothing will ever take place of running outdoors!!! Hands down!
I just bought a treadmill and I feel like a hamster on it. What I end up doing is running on it as a warm up on my really cool days (get my heart rate up, and get my sweat on and head right out doors) and it makes my run much better to go out side as I only have to do minimal warm up to the climate except getting my breathing in check and pace started.
I do live in the south and will have many more 50+ mornings to run, but there will be plenty of 40- days as well so I will dress in my "cool gear", running gloves and warm up with a sweat before I head outside..0 -
Cant help you, I LOVE my treadmill, regardless of the season..I think it gets used more than any other piece of equipment or item in my house, including the vacuum, stove washer and dryer!0
-
I've had to make friends with the treadmill. Wind chills can get to -40 below where I live. I've learned I can't watch tv on the treadmill at the gym. I'm 5'2" and I have to tilt my head upwards to watch the tv and it really affects me. It's not my normal running posture. So I listen to music or great podcasts. And people watch.
I also have learned I run slower on the treadmill than I do outside. If I try to run the same pace it is not pretty.
If I'm tired I set short goals like run .9 miles and walk .1. It really helps.
I try to run in anything above 20 degrees but below that it's the treadmill.0 -
@kvansteen Layers, Layers and Layers. Like @7lenny7 said.
I spend at least 4 months in the dark deep freeze of winter - Northern Canada.
We are already in the Cold/Snowy days of early winter.I live in Minnesota and plan to run outside all winter long. Watch the forecast and dress for the weather.
@gia07 I agree with you on running outdoors. Running Outdoors is so therapeutic. The varied scenery that helps keep your mind busy and subtle or extreme terrain changes that are so good for improving your core and balance. Your cold days are my "Heat Wave days".Nothing will ever take place of running outdoors!!! Hands down! I do live in the south and will have many more 50+ mornings to run, but there will be plenty of 40- days as well so I will dress in my "cool gear", running gloves and warm up with a sweat before I head outside..
kvansteen Some links for you that might help you discover a love of outdoors even in the cold of winter.
http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/10-tips-for-running-in-the-cold
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/cold-weather-running-gear
http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10059519/running-gear-is-taking-over-my-wardrobe#latest
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1421140/cold-weather-running-gear
I can't find the one really good discussion where people had attached pictures of their favorite gear and a Chart Showing Clothing for the different temperatures and conditions.
Happy Trails 0 -
Shovel. And shovel your neighbors' sidewalks.0
-
-
iPad and Netflix and just run. Don't think about it so much.0
-
I hate the treadmill as well, but also don't enjoy running in temp less than about 30 degrees. Like other's have said, I do interval type training when I'm on the treadmill and it's actually helped my speed quite a bit. Since the treadmill can kind of force my speed, I usually set it for 30 sec/mile pace better than what I normally run outside. So my if I'm currently running about 7 min mile fast pace outside, I'd run a interval like this:
1st 1/4 mile - 8min/mi
2nd - 7:30
3rd - 7
4th - 6:30 (1 mile done)
5th - 7
6th - 7:30
7th - 8
8th - 7:30 (2 miles)
9th - 7
10th - 6:30
11th - 7
12th - 7:30 (3 miles)
5 min cooldown
0 -
@kvansteen Finally found the discussion that I was looking for, check out page 3 as it has a great Winter Workout Layering Guide.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/401508/running-in-cold-weather/p3
0 -
OP Play with your layering. I am from the 49th parallel and I'm used to being in colder weather. I would die if I ran in 50 degree weather in a long sleeved shirt, and full pants. I wear capris and a short sleeved shirt. Last November it was super cold for my Veteran's day race, and I wore a dri fit hoodie. The sweat from my hair froze, and I had chunks of ice in it. I would have been better off tucking my hair under a hat.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 423 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions