Surprise! It’s been a while since I’ve posted on a Tuesday, right? I’m working on trying to post more frequently. Due to the fear of boring you to death, we will take it slow and see how it goes!
This is how my Monday morning run looked:
Yeah, it was that great! It was a struggle fest from the beginning.
I’ve lucked out and haven’t had to run on the treadmill much post-marathon, but between Sunday and Monday’s run on it due to rain I don’t know how I managed to run so long on it previously. I think my body has to readjust to the treadmill.
No matter what type of run I am doing, I always use the same simple tips to help “trick” my mind into getting through the run. These really come into handy when you are having a tough day.
5 Tips for Treadmill Survival
Drinking Intervals
This may sound strange, but I have used this one for as long as I can remember. Every 6-8 minutes I will take a sip of water. Then I’ll focus on getting to the next interval and drink again.
This just enables you to cut up your run into smaller segments. Then, before you know it you’re done! This came in handy a lot when we lived in Erie and hard to run on the treadmill so much during the winter.
Netflix
I’ve been so far behind on a lot of my shows lately due to our crazy schedules. Not the end of the world, but treadmill running gives me the perfect time to catch up. Especially on easy days!
The current show of choice is Nashville.
Count Songs
Many times I will cover up the screen of the treadmill. Instead of focusing on time or mileage I will count songs. This gives me something else to focus on besides how far I have to go.
Sometimes I will throw in intervals, or just check to see how much has passed at that point. If you calculate how long you’ll be and knowing that an average song is 3-4 minutes – you will get a quick estimate of how long it will take you.
Focus on Form
There is no better time than when you are confined to a treadmill to focus on your form. Focus on how your feet are landing and make sure you are lifting from you quads.
The longer your focus on your form the quicker your miles will go by. Easy runs are also a perfect opportunity, so if you are stuck on a treadmill take advantage!
Intervals and Workouts
The final tip is pretty obvious, the more you switch it up the quicker it will go. Add in intervals, using either distance or time, or move you work out to the treadmill.
There is a time and place for outdoor workouts, but doing one every so often on the treadmill isn’t all that bad. It definitely makes the time go quicker.
Don’t just focus on speed during your intervals either; try mixing up the incline to give yourself a different challenge.
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The treadmill can be painful, but if you focus on other things you’ll find that it doesn’t have to be so bad. It may not be the case for everyone, but I find the more I run on the treadmill the easier it gets.
The winner of my Mighty Nut Powdered Peanut Butter giveaway is Linda Ruamthong! Congrats Linda! I’ve sent you an email.
What are your tricks for getting through treadmill runs?
How often do you run on the treadmill?
I end up running a couple times a week on the treadmill. I tell myself it will make my outdoor runs that much more enjoyable! I count songs too! After 5 songs I check and see where I’m at in my run. I use shuffle so I never know what song is coming next. Hess are all great tips!!
Ugh – I try to avoid treadmill running whenever possible, but sometimes it does make the most sense. Kudos to you and thank you for these tips! I am creating an indoor workout room for my house, since gyms and I do not get along and these will help with the process.
I feel the same way about the treadmill. It’s definitely a mental exercise! These are great tips, I agree that the treadmill is helpful for any kind of speed or interval workout. I try not to jump on one unless there’s no possible way to get run outside, but it’s nice to have a few things in mind to help get through a tough workout!
Thank you, Sara, good stuff!!! Very practical. I treadmill most in these winter months and do the arc trainer. Keeps me going when the weather is too bad.