Treadmill Troubles :(

Bumping for you and for me. I get this too, and I wasn't sure if I had a weak treadmill, I was too big for the treadmill, or what!

I certainly know what you mean. I'm trying to be a runner but it's just not natural for me either. I'm only 5'3" and it's awkward running next to taller, leaner people that look so graceful running like a gazelle! I'm just trying my best to develop a rhythm and get my breathing in sync.

I'm trying this program out, but honestly, running for 1 minute segments is extremely exhausting for me! (and that's at 5.0mph w/ no incline!!) :ohwell:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/run-walk-program

Wish I had better advice for you, looking forward to seeing what others have to say about this!

Could it have something to do with your stride? I've only just gotten into running myself (trying the Couch to 5K challenge) but I noticed when I first started, I was trying to keep up with my running buddy who is taller (I'm 5'0" like yourself!) and in order to do that, I was taking longer strides and foot flopping. I was reading an article in Runner's World that talked about really going your own pace and taking shorter, quicker strides. It said that if you're working to run longer distances, that your strides should end just below your body. I've tried this on my last run and I felt that it definitely helped me out. I don't really try to go that fast since I have nowhere near enough endurance to run for very long so I figured I'd try to just run 5k at my own pace and feel comfortable with that before I try to increase my speed.

Hope that helps and in any case,maybe everyone around you is also really focused on their workout and are not bothered or even notice the sound! Oh, or you could also try running outdoors. Not as much people around you and it really tests you. I was so surprised how hard it was for me to complete the SAME run outdoors as it was on a treadmill! Happy running!

I was going to say that as well, it is probably due to your stride. When you first move from walk to run your stride is shorter until you get into the swing of it which can be noisy. This movement should take only about 30 seconds once your stride is elongated (it’s ok if you are petite, you can still lengthen your stride) and it should get less noisy as long as you are moving smoothly. Perhaps you are increasing the speed too fast that you can't get your rhythm. Try slowly increasing until you are running comfortably. Yes, it will be noisier than walking even with a great stride but it’s a gym, it’s supposed to be noisy. It’s great you are getting into running just be mindful of your knees. I'm not a runner myself but when I am on holiday I use treadmills daily and move between 1 minute of running then speed walking. Last time I was on vacation though in June I just used the elliptical and its so much nicer on your joints and I don’t have joint problems I just want to ensure I never do. I actually stayed on it over an hour on my off-day and burned 1000 calories (yes, I wouldn’t leave until I hit that mark, I pushed hard at the end b/c breakfast was ending in 5 minutes and I didn't want to miss it, lol! Don’t worry, I didn’t eat all my exercise calories back at breakfast, lol

First of all, I see you're goal is about time and not distance. To be honest, it's much easier to work on sprinting outside on a track. If there is a school nearby maybe you could use their track to try it out.

Second, I also think it's not as loud as you think it is. I've been running next to some pretty big (aka muscular) men on the treadmill and they aren't even that loud. Maybe you just haven't gotten to a point where you're comfortable yet. It took me about 3 months and two 5k's before I felt like I knew what I was doing.

I've never been a runner either, but last fall I started the couch to 5k program at my gym - it wasn't too intense and wasn't a daily program so it fit my lifestyle well. as a new runner, I was more concerned about the amount of time I could run before having to walk again - and finally got to running 20 minutes straight before I "quit the gym" last month. I am now running outside as the weather is great and it's more interesting, but I find it harder to run (which I think is an even better work out). there is no treadmill encouraging you, it all comes from you.

sorry, kind of off subject. I would focus more on stamina than speed. maybe you're not going at the right pace for your body. I also try to focus on putting down my heel first and then transferring my weight to the balls of my feet.