Taking the DREAD out of the Treadmill
Do you know a runner who only runs on the treadmill?
What could drive a person to such madness?
Well, believe it or not these people do exist, and if you walk into a gym on a regular basis, you will notice there is actually a fair amount of them. Plugging along on that endless track to nowhere. Headphones in and a blank emotionless expression… Okay, maybe i’m exaggerating a bit, but I will go out on a limb and say most road and trail runners hold similar thoughts when they are faced with having to use the dreaded treadmill.
If you are anything like me you might just stick to running the roads and trails most days. But there are times when using a treadmill might be almost unnavoidable. Due to weather, time constraints, location, travel, etc.
I will leave a list of tips here to hopefully make treadmill running a little less BORING:
First and the most obvious, bring headphones! listening to your favorite running playlist, podcast, or audio book can make things a lot better. Dont count on your gym having good music to keep you entertained.
If you’re a social runner and headphones just aren’t your thing. Guilt a friend into running with you! Talking with someone can make time fly by!
Run intervals to keep things interesting! Treadmills are great for speedwork, especially if you don’t have access to a track. Changing your speed or incline throughout the workout will keep your brain busy! (and the pain will mask the dullness).
If you have access to a TV put on a good movie or your favorite Netflix show. This can really help out, if for some ungodly reason, you have to do a long run on a treadmill.
I hope that this list helps to make your dread-mill experience a little more bearable!
-See you on the road