Half Marathon Training - on a treadmill

ashleynratliff
ashleynratliff Posts: 20
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone have a half marathon training program for a treadmill? I realize that outside is best but with all the snow and ice... I just can't do it. I guess I'm just a fair weather runner. I'm running my first half in May and if I want until it is nice weather again to start training - I don't feel like I'd be well prepared.

Replies

  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    The training program would be the same as if you were running on the road. I tolerate treadmill running very well, others do not.

    Good luck! :smile:
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Most beginner HM training programs start 12-14 weeks out, so you have time. If it comes down to crazy weather when you start, try to do at least your long runs outside because you do not want to go straight from treadmill to the race, that can set you up for injury. I used one of the Hal Higdon Novice HM guides and have moved up to the Intermediate level and really like the programs. But there are some on Runner's World, Coolrunning.com, Active.com and CoachJenny.com.
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    I like the Hal HIgdon training plans, I think the treadmill will work for your short runs. But you may have to get outside for your long runs I know that running on the treadmill is totally different than running outside.
  • essjay76
    essjay76 Posts: 465 Member
    Ditto to the training programs being the same on a treadmill.

    I'm not 100% anti-treadmill, as it does have it's benefits, but if you're training for a race, your best bet is to get outside. Especially for your long runs.

    You can't simulate race conditions on the treadmill. The weather, terrain, inclines, etc. can vary far too much to simply run it all on a treadmill. Plus, if you run through the worst conditions outside, almost any kind of condition on race day will seem easy and manageable to you.
  • ashleynratliff
    ashleynratliff Posts: 20
    Falling and breaking my neck on ice isn't exactly in my plans... I will resume running outside when the weather permits but I just need something for the interim.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Falling and breaking my neck on ice isn't exactly in my plans... I will resume running outside when the weather permits but I just need something for the interim.
    They make ice cleats for that.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/other-gear/review-ice-cleats
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    When running on a treadmill, be sure to have a slight incline - anywhere from 0.5% to 2%. I tend to use 1%.

    I run on the treadmill more in the winter (due to lack of daylight), but I try my best to get outside on the weekends. I am also fortunate enough to live in an area that has plenty of trails that tend to get cleared of snow and ice.

    Try your best to do a long run outside on the weekend. It isn't icy everyday and long runs are supposed to be slow. In slippery conditions, slow down and be careful with your footing.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Falling and breaking my neck on ice isn't exactly in my plans..
    in all likelihood this wouldn't happen. Your probably building it up to a big thing in your mind. Take it easy and running outside on icy or snowy days is no more dangerous than any other day. I concur with others that you really need to get at least your long run down outside.
  • Drudoo
    Drudoo Posts: 275 Member
    Run where youa re comfortable. Set the incline on the treadmill to 1-2% and go. This replicates the air resistance of running outside. You'll be just fine training on a treadmill.

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