Since I am such a big fan of the treadmill (NOT) I thought I would chime in with Marcia over at Marcia's Healthy Slice on her post about treadmill running.
As much as I dislike running on the treadmill it is a necessary evil for me. In California we have really hot summers and if you are not out there at 5:00 am it is going to be a tough run. We don't get much rain here but when we do, the treadmill is always a way for me to get my runs in and stick to my training plan. Working a full-time job also makes it difficult to get a run in before dark so I often have to run on the treadmill on the days that I work. So yes, the treadmill is a must for me!
1. What’s your favorite workout to do on a treadmill? I can't say that I have a favorite workout because I really dislike the dreadmill! I usually do progressive runs or speedwork since it is easier to hold the pace without having to sop for traffic lights when you run outdoors.
2. How many miles, on average, do you run on the mill each week? I average about 14 miles a week on the treadmill.
3. What was the most mileage you’ve ever completed on the mill in one workout? When? Why? My record treadmill run is 13.11 miles back in May, 2013. My friend was injured and was running the OC Half Marathon and since we were going to the race together, I did not want to leave her out on the course alone. I was also training for a big race so I knew that I could not miss my long run so I got it done on the treadmill.
2. How many miles, on average, do you run on the mill each week? I average about 14 miles a week on the treadmill.
3. What was the most mileage you’ve ever completed on the mill in one workout? When? Why? My record treadmill run is 13.11 miles back in May, 2013. My friend was injured and was running the OC Half Marathon and since we were going to the race together, I did not want to leave her out on the course alone. I was also training for a big race so I knew that I could not miss my long run so I got it done on the treadmill.
4. Do you mill at home, the gym or both? I mill at the gym since I don't have a treadmill at home.
5. What distractions or entertainment (if any) do you use to help pass the time? Some of the treadmills at the gym have TV's but they make me dizzy so I cannot watch them. To pass the time, I listen to my music or I just people watch. People watching is probably the best way to pass time since I have some interesting people at my gym to say the least. Some of the regulars are pretty darn entertaining!
6. If you have a treadmill at home, what kind is it? How old is it? I used to have a treadmill at home but never used it so I sold it. I am the kind of person who will put my run off if the treadmill is in the house so I have to get out the door to get it done. The minute I sold my treadmill I regretted it. Then Pro-Form came out with the Boston Marathon treadmill and I have been wanting it ever since but simply can't afford it!
7. Do you fuel any differently for a treadmill workout than an outside one? I never GU on the treadmill but probably drink the same amount of water. Sometimes the gym feels warm so I might even drink more.
8. Any treadmill mishaps to report? Thankfully none! I always think about how embarrassing that would be so I am pretty careful.
9. Do you mill at incline to compensate for not being outside? Barely. I set the incline to .5 and that is about it. I have heard that you have to adjust it or else you are running slower than you think you are. Oh well, that's fine with me because I am sweating like a pig when I get off the mill.
10. Describe your perfect (if there is such an animal) treadmill conditions:I always try to find a machine that is close to the AC vent. I usually have a favorite machine that is in the right place but then they re-arrange the equipment and I am on the hunt again.
8. Any treadmill mishaps to report? Thankfully none! I always think about how embarrassing that would be so I am pretty careful.
9. Do you mill at incline to compensate for not being outside? Barely. I set the incline to .5 and that is about it. I have heard that you have to adjust it or else you are running slower than you think you are. Oh well, that's fine with me because I am sweating like a pig when I get off the mill.
10. Describe your perfect (if there is such an animal) treadmill conditions:I always try to find a machine that is close to the AC vent. I usually have a favorite machine that is in the right place but then they re-arrange the equipment and I am on the hunt again.
Feel free to write your own "Treadmill Tell-All" post on your blog or share your treadmill love/hate stories with me in the comments! Thank you for the idea Marcia!
I can't seem to do more than 2 miles on the darn thing. I loath it, but miles are miles!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me I want to quit after every mile but I have to force myself to stay on it.
DeleteHaha! Thanks for playing along. I'll have to check out that Boston Marathon mill. Does it do decline as well as incline?
ReplyDeleteI think it does do decline and incline...for $4000.00 I hope it does lol!
DeleteI had a minor mishap once when I first learned that my treadmill automatically turned off, suddenly, after 10 miles. A complete stop! I survived, but it was a bit of a shock.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen that happen before! The treadmills at my gym only allow you to run for 60 minutes and then they actually slow down into cool down mode. This is kind of a shocker too if you are not watching the time!
DeleteIt would be! I just saw that you won nut butter at Marcia's Healthy Slice! Congrats!
DeleteI have been winning tons of giveaways. I am starting to feel guilty about it!
DeleteI don't have a treadmill and don't belong to a gym. I keep saving for one, but then I get sidetracked and have to pay a big dental bill for the kids or I go on a relay out of state. at least I have my elliptical, though in retrospect I wish I would have bought a treadmill all those years ago!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on that one! Now that I sold mine I realize how expensive treadmills are! I was thinking about getting a elliptical since cross training is my weakness.
Delete10 miles is the longest for me. I have one at home and I watch tv on my iPad. I think it keeps my knee happier. Lately I have been running outside a lot more and the pain started to flare...nothing crazy but the pavement is not helping. So tomorrow treadmill date!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was recovering my injury they would only allow me to run on the treadmill so I am sure it is much easier on your knees. When is your next race?
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