Post by marathondude on Jul 29, 2008 13:01:40 GMT -5
Treadmill Running
Most runners who run regularly do little or none of their running on a treadmill. Those who run on treadmills are typically fitness enthusiasts or people who are trying to lose weight. They head to their local gym for a “cardio” workout that may include an elliptical trainer, stair climber, stationary bike or treadmill. But even for hard core runners there are times that using a treadmill should be considered.
When recovering from and injury it can be very beneficial to run on a treadmill. Pace, distance and incline can be carefully monitored. Also, the soft treadmill surface provides good cushioning. I did this twice in the past ten years after a broken foot bone and a surgery with great success. Before starting stamina and speed training on the roads and track, I did these training sessions on the treadmill.
Weather conditions can also influence a decision to run inside. I’m usually like a mailman as “neither rain nor sleet nor snow” will prevent me from running, but lightning will. If violent thunderstorms appear, it is convenient to have the option of an indoor treadmill run. I also recall that Ingrid Kristiansen, former marathon world record holder, did much of her winter training in Norway inside on a treadmill due to extreme cold temperatures and frequent blizzard conditions. Additionally, it may be easier to run a long summer run in the air conditioning than outside in 90+ degree heat.
The only time I routinely plan to do treadmill running is when I visit my gym for a weight training session and do my warm up and warm down. I do get bored even though each run is only one and a half miles. To have something to do I start out slowly and then increase the pace every tenth of a mile. I also set the incline for 1% so I get some traction which simulates running outdoors on a road.
In addition to reasons for running on a treadmill, there are also several benefits. First, your training session can be closely monitored as you have the settings for pace and incline at your fingertips. Speed training and hill training can be done exactly as planned. Second, you won’t accidentally slow down due to distractions or fatigue as you may outside. Third, the surface is more cushioned than a road or sidewalk. Fourth, you can get the benefits of uphill running when you set a higher incline but without the pounding on your knees from the downhill stretches experienced outdoors. Finally, you can run with others who run at a vastly different pace than you by getting on treadmills next to each other.
So, hopefully this is some food for thought that will help you incorporate some treadmill running into your training plan. Nothing beats being out on the trails when running, but there is a time and a place due to weather, injury recovery or monitoring your training to head indoors and onto a treadmill.
Do you have any valuable experiences or advice about treadmill running???
MarathonDude has 35 years of competitive running and racing experience highlighted by a marathon PR of 2:22:34. At www.garycohenrunning.com you will find over a dozen published magazine articles, interviews with running personalities and dozens of “All in a Day’s Run” essays on topics including training, nutrition and racing.
Most runners who run regularly do little or none of their running on a treadmill. Those who run on treadmills are typically fitness enthusiasts or people who are trying to lose weight. They head to their local gym for a “cardio” workout that may include an elliptical trainer, stair climber, stationary bike or treadmill. But even for hard core runners there are times that using a treadmill should be considered.
When recovering from and injury it can be very beneficial to run on a treadmill. Pace, distance and incline can be carefully monitored. Also, the soft treadmill surface provides good cushioning. I did this twice in the past ten years after a broken foot bone and a surgery with great success. Before starting stamina and speed training on the roads and track, I did these training sessions on the treadmill.
Weather conditions can also influence a decision to run inside. I’m usually like a mailman as “neither rain nor sleet nor snow” will prevent me from running, but lightning will. If violent thunderstorms appear, it is convenient to have the option of an indoor treadmill run. I also recall that Ingrid Kristiansen, former marathon world record holder, did much of her winter training in Norway inside on a treadmill due to extreme cold temperatures and frequent blizzard conditions. Additionally, it may be easier to run a long summer run in the air conditioning than outside in 90+ degree heat.
The only time I routinely plan to do treadmill running is when I visit my gym for a weight training session and do my warm up and warm down. I do get bored even though each run is only one and a half miles. To have something to do I start out slowly and then increase the pace every tenth of a mile. I also set the incline for 1% so I get some traction which simulates running outdoors on a road.
In addition to reasons for running on a treadmill, there are also several benefits. First, your training session can be closely monitored as you have the settings for pace and incline at your fingertips. Speed training and hill training can be done exactly as planned. Second, you won’t accidentally slow down due to distractions or fatigue as you may outside. Third, the surface is more cushioned than a road or sidewalk. Fourth, you can get the benefits of uphill running when you set a higher incline but without the pounding on your knees from the downhill stretches experienced outdoors. Finally, you can run with others who run at a vastly different pace than you by getting on treadmills next to each other.
So, hopefully this is some food for thought that will help you incorporate some treadmill running into your training plan. Nothing beats being out on the trails when running, but there is a time and a place due to weather, injury recovery or monitoring your training to head indoors and onto a treadmill.
Do you have any valuable experiences or advice about treadmill running???
MarathonDude has 35 years of competitive running and racing experience highlighted by a marathon PR of 2:22:34. At www.garycohenrunning.com you will find over a dozen published magazine articles, interviews with running personalities and dozens of “All in a Day’s Run” essays on topics including training, nutrition and racing.