If there’s one thing runners have, it’s opinions.
The best shoes, the best GPS (Garmin, Polar, Timex, TomTom), the best clothing, the best fuel, and the best place to run.
I started off training outside, and I think outdoor running will truly be where my heart is, but lately, I’ve been learning to love the treadmill. Now, I’m not logging 100 freaking miles on a treadmill, but if I need to hop on the moving belt to get my miles in, I probably won’t cringe. Much.
Just as I’ll use different shoes on the road vs on the trail, or will run without a watch for an easy run and with a watch for my long run, there’s a time and a place for the treadmill.
How do I determine if the treadmill is appropriate for a run?
- If it’s gross, cold, pouring rain, or snowing, I might pick the treadmill. Remember that I’m Canadian, so my tolerance for cold is pretty high. I’ll generally run outside up to -15C (5F), and I’d rather run in the snow than the rain (with appropriate gear of course).
- Time of day. Since I’m north-ish, I’m blessed with extra long days in the summer (hello 10pm sunsets!) but that means we lose daylight pretty quickly. Already it’s still dark out at 7am, so that means if I were to run in the morning (hypothetically speaking, of course) I’d take it to the ‘mill. Same goes for some evening runs, but I’ve also been known to wear a lamp around my waist to light my way.
- Type of run. I’m learning to love the treadmill for intervals and speed work. I think it’s necessary to run outside for some speedwork to get used to the added friction, but some days I know the only way to actually get my speedwork done is to hop on the treadmill for 5 miles or so.
- I normally run after work, but sometimes coming home and then getting out the door can be a struggle. Merlin wants cuddles and I want to sit on the couch. If I plan in advance for a treadmill run, it’s easy for me to pack my gear and take it to work with me. I just stop at the gym on the way home. Run accomplished.
I’ve learned that if I’m doing a recovery run, the best place for me is not the treadmill. I’ll get too hung up on pace, or time, and just quit. Recovery runs are best done with no watch and a great podcast so I can forget about how slow I’m running and just…..run.
But intervals on a treadmill? I enjoy them. I’d definitely say I like them. I’m not sure I’d say I love them…..yet. But I might one day.
Every few weeks my coach has me do a 5 mile run with pick ups. I first tried this outside on a hot (for Canada) day, and died. The next time I took them to the treadmill and freaking rocked them. I’ve been doing them on the treadmill ever since.
I have 17 more weeks of training, which means we’re getting darn close to winter in Calgary (there might even be snow in the forecast next week) so I’m going to need to gather my winter clothes and get ready for some more treadmill running as I prepare for Dopey in January.
In case you’re looking for some treadmill motivation, I’m leaving you with my favourite treadmill interval workout. The 5 miles will absolutely fly by before you know it!
Posted with Permission from Cowgirl Runs