Treadmills?
AwesomeGuy37
Posts: 436 Member
Does anyone use a treadmill? I think I may need to buy a manual one because the weather is always bad. Are there better suggestions for indoor running? Any feedback appreciated.
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I use a treadmill when I can't run outdoors (which is practically always this winter). I do try to run outdoors twice a week.
Running on a treadmill definitely isn't the same on your body as running outdoors. It's also infinitely more boring. But unless your goal is to train as a runner, you'll get a very good workout on a treadmill.
I don't know anything about a manual one since I use a standard treadmill.
About buying a new one, considering that the winter is probably almost over (I don't know where you live), if it's an option, consider getting a Gym membership for a couple of months.0 -
Alberto Salazar trained to run the Comrades Ultra Marathon largely on a treadmill. It's a great tool.
However, it is definitely different than outdoor running and many runners have a definite love/hate relationship with them.
There is no other way to run indoors unless you have access to an indoor track.
Also, running in the rain/moderate cold/etc. is really, really awesome, so consider broadening your definition of "good" running weather
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Also, running in the rain/moderate cold/etc. is really, really awesome, so consider broadening your definition of "good" running weather
14 degrees and piles of snow and salt on the roads.0 -
Also, running in the rain/moderate cold/etc. is really, really awesome, so consider broadening your definition of "good" running weather
14 degrees and piles of snow and salt on the roads.
https://www.yaktrax.com/
Not that I would run in 14 degrees...perhaps you should consider moving to Georgia?0 -
But Varda, we had 4 degree days here in Georgia a few weeks ago! Of course it is 70 today. :glasses:
I run exclusively on the treadmill right now, because cold air irritates my asthma, and because they have a daycare. I have heard that putting the incline to 1 helps simulate running outside, so I may do that a little to transition.0 -
But Varda, we had 4 degree days here in Georgia a few weeks ago! Of course it is 70 today. :glasses:
I run exclusively on the treadmill right now, because cold air irritates my asthma, and because they have a daycare. I have heard that putting the incline to 1 helps simulate running outside, so I may do that a little to transition.
I skipped that day, LOL.
Putting the incline on 1 may or may not be closer to running outside, depending on who you read.0 -
I trained on a treadmill and had never run outdoors. It can be done and you'll do great. The hardest challenge was keeping my mind busy so that I didn't obsess about the time left to do. Those minutes can get long if you're always aware of them. Have some good music or a TV or an audio book to listen to for distraction.
As soon as possible, head outdoors. It's so much nicer than the treadmill. It can also be an adjustment. Some people don't feel a big difference when they move outdoors; I was a bit surprised at how much difference it made to me. Took me a few weeks to get back to being able to run 30 minutes again.
If you're only option is a treadmill, go for it. I use one in the winter when I can't get outdoors.0 -
The local rec centers here have indoor tracks where I run. I pay for using the facilities but don't use anything other than the track. We have terrible summers here and I have outdoor allergies during spring. I'm going to alternate outside/track for now to keep me motivated. Btw, I didn't see too much of an issue transitioning from track to outside. If you have access to a track(rec centers, schools nearby) try that option.0
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Also, running in the rain/moderate cold/etc. is really, really awesome, so consider broadening your definition of "good" running weather
14 degrees and piles of snow and salt on the roads.
Yaktrax and layer, layer, layer. There is a good gear tool on Runner's World on what to wear in cold weather.0 -
I've been trying to mix it up a little, so I run 2x/week on a treadmill and 1x/week outside. It's nice to have the change in scenery to keep me engaged. Treadmill Day 1 I watch TV (which I never do, so it's thoroughly enthralling...even if it's just some crap reality show). Treadmill Day 2 I listen to music. On my outside days I really try to notice little details about my neighborhood.0
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When I first started I got a gym membership thinking that I would use it "whenever the weather was bad". I haven't used it for that purpose yet so its going to waste, and I've only been there for healing/recovery when I overdid the training and weakened my knee.
My definition of "bad weather" has changed dramatically over the past 6 months as I've gotten more and more gear to cope.
With the right shoes and waterproof and water resistant gear, rain is not a problem. Snow isn't a problem as its falling, or if its packed and icey. But, if its 6 inches deep or more, then its a severe nuisance and I won't get very far. Typical temperature ranges aren't a problem with adequate layering on the cold side, and light wicking on the high side. I live in VA though, so our winters are mild. This one we had the polar vortex bringing temps down to about 0 but its not like I'm out there in shorts
For snow and ice, I've not gone the yaktrax route yet. Instead, I switched over to Trail shoes. More traction, more water resistance. They'll still flood if you run through a river, but with the tighter mesh, they keep your feet warmer as well. I haven't fallen from ice yet and I've run on alot of it. I think this is because running you have a different posture and a forward lean and light on your feet compared to walking. I haven't tried sprinting on ice yet so maybe I've just been lucky.
The thing is, I don't really like running on a treadmill. It doesn't feel natural to me. The elliptical is a closer match, and non impact, but still doesn't feel like actual running. And since I really like changes in scenery, I'm more willing to suffer the elements to get that visual. Plus, as time goes by and you get faster, you notice the speed difference outside. On a treadmill, I don't know how you would notice other then setting the speed settings on the device.0
