Long run on a treadmill for marathon training?

healthycollege
healthycollege Posts: 6
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys! So I'm training for the Detroit Marathon, which is October 19. I'm not going to lie, I haven't been great about doing all of the training that I have supposed to be doing. I took about a week and a half off of running to re-evaluate my goals and decide if this is what I really want to do, and so far I still want to go for it! My last long run was 2 weeks ago and it was a 10-miler, and today I'm supposed to run 13/14 miles. I'm determined to get it done, but it's supposed to be 95 degrees here today and it's already seering hot so I would like to do my run on a treadmill. Would this be a bad idea? I've done long runs on a treadmill before, but I'm just worried about not building up enough endurance for the marathon by using a treadmill for long runs like this. For the long runs to come I am definitely going to try to do them outside, but I was just looking for some advice and warnings about using a treadmill for long runs in marathon training.

This is my first marathon by the way, and I've run 2 halfs with a time of 1:33:50 about! I'm 19, 5'1" and a girl if that helps :)

Thank you so much!

Emily

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    Sounds like a great way to become suicidal lol
    (Sorry I dislike the dreadmill for more than 20 min or so).

    My friend trained for the half we did on a treadmill. And she might still be using it while she trains for a full marathon.

    Beyond boredom, I dont see why itd be a problem.
    I'm respinding so the ultra runners and marathoners on my FL chime in
  • 365andstillalive
    365andstillalive Posts: 663 Member
    I think just about every runner will agree that running on a treadmill and running roads feel like very different things. With the treadmill you'll have a more set pace, with the road, you're the one in control.

    For the odd run here and there in your training, it's perfectly fine; at least you're still doing the running, right? It doesn't sound like you plan on stopping outdoor running completely, so it's really not an issue.
  • _SantaClause
    _SantaClause Posts: 335 Member
    14 miles on the treadmill will teach you mental toughness for sure.

    It will benefit your training more than hinder if, if that's what you're asking.
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    I am not gonna talk about the not training enough part...

    BUT, to answer your treadmill question:I've ran 14 miles once on the dreadmill because there was an icestorm out and I couldn't do it some other day. I broke it off in 5k parts (5k- go drink- 5k go drink etc etc) and it wasn't THAT bad. I think as long as you do the majority of your run outdoor, you'll be fine.

    And honestly, 14 miles should be a piece of cake for a 1:33 half girl... Seriously, what's up with that?
  • vmclach
    vmclach Posts: 670 Member
    I've ran 22 miles on one.. I only ran on a treadmill when I trained for my March marathon this year. My prior PR was 3:43 and in march I ran 3:27. I think treadmill running is a fantastic idea. I like in Minnesota, so winter running isn't always something I like to do outside. I do anything from 10-22 2x a week (long run & medium long run) on the treadmill during the winter.

    But it is a lot harder mentally. Nice that it's a controlled enviornment.

    Also note, the hills during my full really killed me. I trained on 0 incline!
  • vmclach
    vmclach Posts: 670 Member
    Also, I'm not trying to scare you, but you really NEED to run more than 10 miles as long run ASAP. You have 10 weeks. Please train wisely. A lot of people don't respect the marathon distance. If you don't train correctly, you will be a sorry soul walking to the finish. My brother ran run 6:25 pace for a 1/2 but has recently ran a 5 hour marathon...
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Is the Detroit Marathon run on treadmills?
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    Doing some of your training on treadmills is fine, but you will not be happy come race day if you haven't logged significant miles on the road. One possibility might be to start on the treadmill, then do your last 5 or 6 outside.

    Also, make sure you run some base miles during the week. You should be getting up to 30+ miles per week, mostly on roads.
  • jtintx
    jtintx Posts: 445 Member
    I've done a couple of marathons and the group I trained with stressed that the long run is mostly just about time on your feet and moving. It doesn't really matter what your pace is. Treadmill training is fine if it will keep you on your feet longer. I'm assuming you are just wanting to complete your marathon and don't have a time goal. If that's the case I would work on building up the time you spend running and don't worry about the distance so much. Build up to 3 then 4 hours, etc. So you are running for about 90% of whatever time you think it will take you to complete your marathon. ie. If you think it will take you 5 hours then you need to build up to 4.5 hours. The excitement of finishing will help you get to the finish line. Best of luck!!! Crossing that finish line will be an amazing feeling!!!!!
  • KristiRTT
    KristiRTT Posts: 346 Member
    I did some of the running for my marathon on a treadmill, as I started training in January and it was -15f! I prefer outdoor running, and I think it is very important to incorporate, I did my 20 miler on the treadmill and I survived my race!
  • sarahc001
    sarahc001 Posts: 477 Member
    You have to think in terms of specificity of training if you want to be your best for the marathon, and that involves running roads. That said, if it is a choice between running on a treadmill and not running, you're better off on a treadmill. The only case I know of a treadmill runner being really awesome on race day is a guy named Zach Miller, who won both the jfk50 and lake sonoma 50 while working on a cruise ship. He trained on a treadmill and in the stairwell of the ship. But you better believe he wasn't behind on his training. And it makes you wonder how he could have done if he had the opportunity to train the terrain he would have on race day. I say suck it up and deal, go outside. Get up early so you won't be running in the heat of midday, and get your mileage in (it can't be 90deg at 4am.)
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Doing some of your training on treadmills is fine, but you will not be happy come race day if you haven't logged significant miles on the road. One possibility might be to start on the treadmill, then do your last 5 or 6 outside.

    Also, make sure you run some base miles during the week. You should be getting up to 30+ miles per week, mostly on roads.

    True, unless you're this guy
    URmi82v.gif
  • bugaboo_sue
    bugaboo_sue Posts: 552 Member
    When I was training for a half several years ago there were plenty of times that I did a 10+ mile run on the treadmill because I missed my long run for one reason or another. You can adequately train for your race on a treadmill although I would suggest getting some road time for longer runs when you can.

    Aside from my long runs (the ones I didn't miss) all of my training was done on a treadmill and I finished in less than 2 hours which was my goal.
  • rockymorales545
    rockymorales545 Posts: 2 Member
    I LOVE the treadmill and used to do most of my marathon training on the treadmill. In 2012, in order to get to the highest level of the Marathon Maniacs running club, I ran 55 marathons (and 1 ultra) but didn't just show up on the weekends but rather ran 20 miles a week midweek between marathons and entirely on the treadmill.

    I think most people who dislike the treadmill are just doing it in the wrong environment. I REFUSE to get a treadmill or any exercise equipment at home and insist on going to a nice gym with a great environment. I look forward to my time in the gym and to my time on the treadmill. There's really no reason why you cannot do the bulk of your marathon training on a treadmill but just make sure you mix it up and don't just run on the lowest incline.

    What's worked best for me in my own 130 marathons to date (plus 20 ultras) is Hanson's Marathon Method book and I PR'd after even just following it for a few weeks (I race too much to yet get in a full marathon training program and, anyway, I've switched to ultras for the most part).

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