Let’s face it, if you live in an area like St. Louis, you get to experience the seasons. All 4 of them. You take the good with the bad, the hot with the cold but January and February can be especially trying for endurance runners. The days of waking up with the sun, through on a shirt and shorts and heading out are all but gone at this point. It was 7 degrees here yesterday. SEVEN!
I will run out in almost any temperature but single digits is where I cross the line. By February of last year, I was so fed up, I was will to run in any condition.
In light of all the challenges facing us runners in the winter, you’ve probably resigned yourself (like I have) to the fact that there is only one way to make it through the winter and maintain any amount of athletic ability..the treadmill or dreadmill as it’s lovingly referred to. I thought this would be a good time to talk about ways we can learn to love the treadmill.
1. Start Small – Learning to appreciate the treadmill can be tough especially when you’re use to heading outdoors but just as with any new workout, jumping right into it can be tough. So start small, do a couple shorter runs and embrace your accomplishments. Any treadmill run is a good run.
2. Get Creative – Did you know you can do more than run on a treadmill? Use it for other aspects of your workout. Be very careful but try walking lunges on it.
3. Don’t fight it – Just realize that the treadmill is there to help you keep on track. It might not be your first choice but it’s an option and a good one at that.
4. Distract yourself – Let’s be honest, not every run is spectacular so find a distraction. Whether it’s a favorite podcast, movie or new music those tools can be super useful to making it through long runs on your trusty treadmill.
5. Change it up – Between speed and slope, you can really get a challenging run in. Try a treadmill workout. I have some posted on my running page but you can also check out some of these workouts from my favorite fit friends!
- Debbie – Live from La Qunita
- Madeline – Food, Fitness and Family
- Katie – Getting My Healthy On
- Ashley – A Lady Goes West
- Ashley – A Healthier, Happier Bear
- Courtney – Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
- Laura – Mommy Run Fast
- Alysia – SlimSanity
- Lauren – Breathe Deeply and Smile
How have you learned to embrace the treadmill?
I made peace with the treadmill years ago and it makes things so much easier. Like you said, I’d rather be outside most times, but it’s a great tool!!
It was -8 here with -25 windchill. It would be silly to run outside. And, to be honest, I don’t really mind the treadmill. Is it my favorite? No. But it’s better than not running. I did a 9-mile run once on my treadmill but I usually keep it to 5 or 6. Changing the settings every so often, for me, is enough to keep it interesting.
changing the settings is a good way to keep things interesting!
I’m doing a pretty large portion of my half training on our new treadmill. It’s not bad actually. I can’t wait to go outside again but no, I’m not running when it’s 7 outside either. Lol.
Side note, any tips on running on snow packed side walks?
YaxTrax on your shoes! They are great!
I don’t mind the treadmill it’s better than not running. We have 4 here with -27 feel, ice everywhere and snow of maybe 4 or 5 inches.
That’s true!
I LOVE my treadmill which makes me an odd duck, but hey what can I say! Avoided the ice when I lived in KC and the swampy Florida summers with it, so I’m happy.
Can you make some of that rub off on me?
I actually made peace with my ‘mill today…I’m running a half in Florida in March and decided to run sans fan. It was HOT! And I felt kind of sick, actually, towards the end. I pushed through it and felt totally #badass. There is no way I am going to be acclimated for the Florida humidity but I think that the ‘mill showed me the way today…
Love that my ‘mill. ha!
I avoid the treadmill as much as possible (fortunately it doesn’t get that cold here and the key to beating the heat is running early). When I can’t avoid it I will usually do some kind of a speed workout. Intervals are great, the time goes by much faster (especially the rest periods!), and you can really track your pace and distance. Thanks for sharing my treadmill workout!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I’m with Amanda. I actually like the treadmill, because I can better control the workout with speed, intervals, and elevation. For me, I actually feel I get a better workout although I’d rather be outside.
That is true. Control is a big thing for me!
Varying incline and speed is the best way to keep it interesting!
the incline saves me too!
The past two winters have been near impossible to run through where I’m from and the treadmill has been a lifesaver! I don’t mind running in 0 degree weather, but -20F is just too much for me and not really safe 🙂
Listening to music is my favorite strategy for treadmill running and doing speed or hill intervals! Great tips for staying treadmill motivated this winter!
-20 is CRAZY!!
I actually have grown to like the treadmill. I trained for a half marathon on it last winter during the polar vortex and loved it. I found that it improved my speed too! Loved that I could catch up on all my shows on Netflix 🙂
I wish I had the same fondness that you do. 🙂
I haven’t been able to run in a few weeks and this week I actually didn’t mind! These temps are awful but I hate the treadmill too. Hoping for an early spring
If there’s a time when you can’t run…this would be the perfect time!
With wind chills making the temps feel like it’s 20 below here in Michigan I’m embracing the treadmill. Otherwise, I LOVE running outside in just about any weather.
I’m so with you!
I once ran 52.4 miles on a treadmill. After that, any indoor run is pretty easy peasy!
OMG!!!! That’s nuts
I actually really enjoy running on the treadmill. Once I even did 10 hours on the machine for the heck of it!
The consistency of it can be relaxing when you just want a nice simple run when it’s 15*F outside, windy, and snowing. I also find I do more strength training when I do more treadmill running in the colder months!
Here’s a treadmill training guide I wrote, too 🙂 http://skora.cc/treadmillguide
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