How to Make the Treadmill Less Boring
NekoneMeowMixx
Posts: 410 Member
inb4: Go jog outside.
I'm a beginner runner. I'm currently utilizing the C25K and find myself dying a little bit less each and every day I run. Given this (and the weather outside) I prefer running in place like a gerbil as opposed to dealing with the outside world for sake of being in nature... Instead I'm faced with the lovely surroundings that is the other billion treadmills at the local Planet Fitness.
My question is-- how can I make this less boring? I want to build my endurance because I plan to do a Tough Mudder event this fall, so finding an alternative to running isn't really an option. I've tried music (upbeat, angry, even podcasts) and I've tried watching whatever happens to be on TV at the time, and nothing's worked... I find myself focusing more on how exhausted I am, and wanting to quit with each second. Does anyone else experience this? How do you distract yourself? That whole "think of the results" thing doesn't work, because I usually presume I'll die before I get there... heh
How can I make running *fun*?
I'm a beginner runner. I'm currently utilizing the C25K and find myself dying a little bit less each and every day I run. Given this (and the weather outside) I prefer running in place like a gerbil as opposed to dealing with the outside world for sake of being in nature... Instead I'm faced with the lovely surroundings that is the other billion treadmills at the local Planet Fitness.
My question is-- how can I make this less boring? I want to build my endurance because I plan to do a Tough Mudder event this fall, so finding an alternative to running isn't really an option. I've tried music (upbeat, angry, even podcasts) and I've tried watching whatever happens to be on TV at the time, and nothing's worked... I find myself focusing more on how exhausted I am, and wanting to quit with each second. Does anyone else experience this? How do you distract yourself? That whole "think of the results" thing doesn't work, because I usually presume I'll die before I get there... heh
How can I make running *fun*?
0
Replies
-
I read or watch a movie when I'm on there.0
-
I typically run outside- the ice is prohibiting me greatly at this point- otherwise- it's outside- the cold can be layered up against honestly- and I would encourage that if it helps keep you running outside.
- Otherwise
netflix
serialpod.org0 -
Me, I'd rather run outside no matter what the weather. Dress in layers.
Here's an alternative:
http://www.gojiplay.com/0 -
I refuse to be out in the cold any longer than necessary and running outside is not necessary. I occupy myself with watching a tv show or reading. The time passes by so much faster.0
-
I put on cycling videos, or track and field videos and pretend I am as awesome as the guys on screen. I would mute the video as the commentary can be boring and overlay whatever music you like.
Other people watch movies, etc. Anything that will completely distract you from the hamster-like device you are on.
I will run outside when I can but the treadmill is a necessary tool for when it is simply impractical to run outside. Like when "long run day" and "ice storm day" coincide. 13 miles on the treadmill it is. *sigh*0 -
I was the same way
. Watching a movie/tv show on my phone was the best I could do when I attempted the treadmill. I am doing c25k now as well (start week 5 today 
) but I run outside on a trail. It's uneven, uphill and downhill, rocky, sandy and lots of stuff to keep me entertained. I hope you find something that works for you, good luck! 0 -
I put on cycling videos, or track and field videos and pretend I am as awesome as the guys on screen. I would mute the video as the commentary can be boring and overlay whatever music you like.
Other people watch movies, etc. Anything that will completely distract you from the hamster-like device you are on.
I will run outside when I can but the treadmill is a necessary tool for when it is simply impractical to run outside. Like when "long run day" and "ice storm day" coincide. 13 miles on the treadmill it is. *sigh*
I don't run nearly as much as you, but I have done 6.3 on a treadmill with a 8:47 pace. I don't see how you could power through 13 miles. I was so bored and pissed off by the time I was done...
0 -
i will not run in the cold unless i have signed up for a race that i can't back out of. so, as much as i would rather run outside, no thanks i won't do it. i use the same distractions music/tv. but, i will do intervals when that isn't working. 1 min fast, 2 min slow, etc.0
-
I like the zombies run app. I've never used it on a treadmill, but I think it would probably be even more useful there since it puts you in another little world.0
-
I use an elliptical, not a treadmill, but I watch TV /shrug
Usually anything relatively action-y helps distract me and can be motivating to keep up a decent pace. Upbeat music can help, but usually only works for short periods for me. I also do intervals, as someone mentioned.0 -
Intervals are a good way to mix up the treadmill run so it's not excruciatingly painful. If I'm going to run on a treadmill, it has to be for a short time.
If I want to work on endurance on a treadmill, I walk instead. Just crank up the incline and walk at a brisk pace. It's a good workout and you can do other things at the same time to avoid boredom. You can read, watch TV, or play video games like I do.0 -
I always run outdoors. But, if I did use a TM, I'd prob watch tv, or listen to music. And I'd constantly change the incline and speed for a tougher challenge.0
-
0 -
Hey,
I never found a way to make the treadmill more exciting.....guess that's why its called the dreadmill!
Running and going nowhere is just mind numbing and you will find yourself giving up through shear boredom alone.
Get wrapped up and get outside:)
Shaun.
0 -
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Unfortunately I absolutely loathe the winter, and being outside for any extended period of time in this **** is beyond question, heh. I will definitely have to give your suggestion a shot, @glevinso -- it sounds interesting!0
-
I like the zombies run app. I've never used it on a treadmill, but I think it would probably be even more useful there since it puts you in another little world.
I didn't think about that... To my knowledge, it requires a GPS signal, so I'm not sure if it will work or not, but I'll certainly look into it.
Appreciate everyone who's working on getting me outside, but again, I loathe the winter. Likely because I have asthma (not severely, though it's far worse in the winter-- I have a hard time walking through the parking lot in the winter without my chest hurting...) Plus I'm already fighting a flu-like bug, so outside probably isn't best :P0 -
Changing your pace/elevation each song really helps.0
-
Sorry, got nothing for you. It's why so many people call it the "dreadmill". I run outside whenever possible, but the recent weather around here has forced me to resort to the treadmill for a lot of runs. The only saving grace is knowing that when I finally do get back outside , it's going to be SO SWEET!!!!0
-
0 -
When I do the treadmill, I can't watch videos or read. Makes me nauseous, unfortunately. I do incremental speeds, so I'll do 2 minutes at 4, 5, 6 and 7 mph and then start over with 4. Having to switch speeds every few minutes seems to make the time go by faster, and I find it also makes hate it less, which means I do it more.0
-
Yeah, C25K utilizes intervals, so that helps a bit. But I'm just looking for someone to take my mind off of how much I feel like I'm dying, and make it even remotely enjoyable... xD0
-
Running is mostly mental. Gotta push through those barriers sometimes. Only thing I got for not feeling like death while running on a TM is, slow the speed or do a run, walk, run combo until you reach you're desired distance.NekoneMeowMixx wrote: »Yeah, C25K utilizes intervals, so that helps a bit. But I'm just looking for someone to take my mind off of how much I feel like I'm dying, and make it even remotely enjoyable... xD
0 -
This. With intervals, you don't have to be on as long and still get a good workout. Lots of times I do this:Intervals are a good way to mix up the treadmill run so it's not excruciatingly painful. If I'm going to run on a treadmill, it has to be for a short time.
If I want to work on endurance on a treadmill, I walk instead. Just crank up the incline and walk at a brisk pace. It's a good workout and you can do other things at the same time to avoid boredom. You can read, watch TV, or play video games like I do.
5 minute warm up increasing from 3.0 to 3.8 speed during that time. Then 1 minute at 8.5 speed, 1 minute back down to 4.0 fast walk, then 1 minute back to 8.5 and repeat. The last 2 I try for 10.0. I do it for 8 intervals for the faster speed. Then a 5 minute walk at 3.0 at the end.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
0 -
@ninerbuff -- I use the C25K app, which is comprised of intervals which get progressively more intensive until you're able to run a full 5k without walking in between. It definitely keeps me motivated, having the timer counting down to when I can walk again, but it feels like one of those "all work and no play" types of deals...
Really, tl;dr-- I much prefer weightlifting over cardio (any day) but I want to be well-balanced, and if I'm looking to do Tough Mudder, I'm going to have to be able to run...0 -
I put on cycling videos, or track and field videos and pretend I am as awesome as the guys on screen. I would mute the video as the commentary can be boring and overlay whatever music you like.
Other people watch movies, etc. Anything that will completely distract you from the hamster-like device you are on.
I will run outside when I can but the treadmill is a necessary tool for when it is simply impractical to run outside. Like when "long run day" and "ice storm day" coincide. 13 miles on the treadmill it is. *sigh*
I don't run nearly as much as you, but I have done 6.3 on a treadmill with a 8:47 pace. I don't see how you could power through 13 miles. I was so bored and pissed off by the time I was done...
I actually tend to use the Sufferfest videos even if I am not actually doing the workout. They are good cycling (and running) workouts, with decent music, and a bit of humor thrown in. I also know every video really well so I feel like I can gauge my "time remaining" by what is coming up in the video.
My 13 miles this weekend used the Blender video as it was 1:45 long and I was running at 8:00/mi pace
0 -
I m planning to do a though mudder as well. seems so cool to me 0
-
Go jog outside.
0 -
itsclobberintime wrote: »Go jog outside.
Easy to say, but when its dark, icy, snowy, etc, you still gotta put the training in.
0
This discussion has been closed.
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