You’ve read my lamenting posts about the dreadmill time and time again. I’m here to report that I’ve had a change of heart.
School started on Monday. On that day, work and training collided. Last winter and spring, I trained for a half marathon while working, but it was very different from this. The weather was cool, so I had the option to run before or after school. I was also running less mileage during the week. This training cycle requires more mid-week mileage in the heat and humidity.
Morning workouts are my saving grace. I spent the entire summer waking up at 6:30 AM to run…but 6:30 was still too late for a pre-work run. I set the alarm for 5 AM – a dark, scary time. Reluctantly, I retreated to the treadmill. I ran four speedy miles. With lots of intervals, the run flew by and I had plenty of time to get to work. The next morning I repeated the routine. I returned to the gym for a solid eight mile training run. I played with speed a little, but kept a comfortable pace. I enjoyed being around the other folks at the gym. Even at that early hour, it was bustling with activity.
Last night, I decided I should run outside in the morning. I can’t run on the treadmill ALL the time…can I? Then the alarm went off. I stood in my bedroom, surrounded by humid air. I changed in to my running clothes and walked into the kitchen. My Camelbak was waiting to be filled. My keys were on the table. I grabbed my keys and walked out the door!
Three treadmill runs, one week! This morning I ran five “hilly” miles. I played with the incline the entire time. I backed off the speed and pushed through some challenging hill intervals. Forty-five minutes later, I was dripping sweat and stretching my legs.
I got to thinking about that crazy machine and why I suddenly like it:
- I can zone out. On the streets, I need to be alert to my surroundings – cars, dogs, people. I am not alert at 5 AM.
- The gym is well lit. Self-explanatory!
- Friendly faces greet me in the morning. Morning workouts can be difficult, but seeing other cheerful people encourages me.
- I can incorporate speed work and hill work whenever I want. I have not perfected speed work on the road, but I do enjoy it. It’s much easier to get it done at the gym.
Confession: I am really worried about how these runs will affect my training…so I made a plan.
- Do my best to simulate road running (with incline) during my treadmill runs.
- Continue to run every long run outside. Long runs are my favorite part of training. I love being outside, the road beneath my feet, as I reach new distances!
- Add some afternoon/evening runs when the weather cools.
What are your thoughts on treadmill runs vs. road runs?
Have you ever had to train on the treadmill?
Note: I track all of my workouts at Daily Mile. Check out the widget in my sidebar! You can track your workouts, too…and we can be Daily Mile friends!
The treadmill is a beneficial tool, but don’t let it replace road running. You need to be running on the roads a few times a week so your body isn’t shocked when your race comes up. Trust me, it is a lot different than you think.
I like the control treadmills give you and the indoor option, but I think outside is great for motivation because you aren’t just moving in place. I don’t do long run or run regularly though.
I’m a big fan of running outside. Not a huge treadmill lover. I do, however, agree with you that speedwork runs are a bit easier on the treadmill:)
I think this fall/winter I may venture out into the dark in the mornings, though. Last year I was just too scared. Need to find that pepper spray though…
When I was training for my marathon, my choices were the treadmill or running in the wee hours of the morning, In the dark. In Brooklyn. Yeah….I chose the treadmill. Honestly, you probably only have a couple months at most until you can run after work again so if you have to spend some of it on the treadmill, then it’s ok. I just don’t recommend doing long runs on the treadmill unless you have to. I ran 10 miles on that thing once and I was about to go crazy.
I like your plan: shorter runs and hill runs on the treadmill and long runs outside. I’ve ran 14 miles on a treadmill before (marathon training, awful weather at the time) and it was horrible. Running outside (to me) cannot be replaced with a treadmill, even with an incline. I’d say if your long runs become ridiculously too hard then maybe start running outside more all of the time?
I hear you about the treadmill!
I like that people are around working out at the gym and the best part I am not having to get up at 5am to run
I ran 8 miles yesterday on the treadmill and that was a bit much mentally. I can run a 10K on the treadmill and then I have to get off, but I pushed myself yesterday…
I have a friend who has to use the treadmill because of where she lives. She trains for marathons and swears by the treadmill. She does try to to sneak in long runs on the weekend, but for the most part her training is done using the treadmill and her time is excellent for a marathon!
I do agree that using the treadmill for speed work does help! But I like how you use the treadmill and the road for your longs run, I think you will be okay and with the cooler weather around the corner you just may be able to fit some runs in outside!
Happy training!
I recently made peace with the dreadmill, too, and believe it’s helped me get faster. In the winter I’d cut runs short because of the cold and in the summer I take walk breaks because of the heat. With the treadmill, you can keep your goal pace the whole time.
I did about half my training runs on the treadmill leading up to my speediest 1/2 ever. Like you, I always up the incline and do most of my long runs outside (except for when there’s snow on the ground).
I think you will be fine!
You have a lot of the same thoughts I do.
Treadmills are great for speedwork, and it is easier on your feet with the softer surface. It’s always good to change it up, indoors and outdoors. Nice having options. I don’t think I could do a long run on the treadmill, but the other day I did 6 of speedwork and it flew by.
I’ve been training on the treadmill throughout the summer because of the heat. I am not a huge fan and won’t normally stick with it for more then an hour, which means my long runs end up outside. I do agree with you though that speed workouts are great indoors.
I’ve never “truly” ran outside, but my goal this weekend is to get out there for just one mile! I dislike running, and I’m a treadmiller- TV, hello!
You make great points on choosing the treadmill, but it really is not the same as road running. I think you will be fine as long as you are at least getting the weekend runs outside on the streets.
I agree that speed work is hard if not on a treadmill or on a track and for that reason I so struggle with this aspect of training.
BTW, running in the dark is not too scary….its an adventure.
I do either two runs a week on the treadmill and 2 outside or 3 on the treadmill and 1 outside. I love the treadmill!!! But I think doing the long run outside is crucial.
I honestly feel that the treadmill is so much harder and your outside marathon will be a breeze if you keep training on it. My friend did all her training on a treadmill–doing exactly what you mentioned, mixing up the coarse. You’re totally good to go. If you can do it mentally, you’re golden.
Thanks for the input. I was nervous about spending too much time on it at first, but a few people have said the same thing. I’ll stick with it for now