Sunday, November 23, 2008

Going the Distance on a Treadmill

Up until a couple of days ago the longest I had ever run on a treadmill was 8 miles. Treadmill running just seems so...tedious, uneventful and well, boring. This past Saturday however, it was so cold outside I wimped out. I decided to do 10 miles on the treadmill and then 10 miles outside. Well my wussiness got the best of me. At 10 miles I looked outside and it didn't look any warmer so I kept going. An hour and a half later I had run 20 MILES ON A TREADMILL and I couldn't believe it! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I switched off between music and t.v. to keep my mind busy. So if you're a wimp like me about the weather but don't think you can run 20+ miles on a treadmill, I hope this post helps you take courage and just go for it. It wasn't that bad...I'm not going to make a habit out of it... but it wasn't that bad.

10 comments:

Frannie said...

20 miles! That is impressive!

Oh, I feel your pain! When I was training for Marine Corps marathon there was a bad storm out on the only day I could get my 16 miles in. So I had to do it on the treadmill. It was the longest 3 hours of my life. But a few movies and oodles of songs on my iPod later I did it.

Anonymous said...

I trained for the Marine Corps Marathon entirely on the treadmill! It was not safe enough for me to run by myself in my neighborhood, so I just did it indoors. I could program the incline to mimic an outdoor run and uphill resistance.
Movies, Shuffle playlists, Themed playlists, and books on tape helped. :)

Run Mommy said...

Sounds like a nightmare but I am actually a little relieved that it is possible! I live in the Toronto area and I was getting worried about my training when crazy weather hits. good to know it is an option (although a bummer). Good for you!

Tall Girl Running said...

I cranked out 90 minutes on the 'mill while listening to the BYU/Utah football game on the radio over the weekend. My longest run on the treadmill was a few months ago when I did 10. Like you said, it's really not so bad once you just put your mind to it.


I actually quite enjoy treadmill running because I can do it in the privacy of my own home where I don't have to worry about the nuisances of people, cars or dogs. I can wear what I want, listen to what I want... and the best part, if I get worn out and decide I want to cut my run short, I just click stop.

More recently, I've been doing my speedwork sessions on the treadmill, thanks to a tip from Runner's World. The controlled aspects of it lower the stress impact on your body, reducing the risk of injury. There's definitely some advantages to the old hamster wheel!

Mrs. Spencer said...

I just had to do a long 12 mile run on my treadmill a few weeks ago. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be either (still not fun-but not horrible). I rotated between listening to music and the tv too. Wow, 20 miles though! I guess it can be done!

Keekee said...

Good to hear. I am going to start training for Boston at the end of Dec and I live in northern WI. I have a feeling I will be doing some 20 milers on the treadmill :0 You give me hope that I will survive running in one place for that long :)

Suzie Petunia said...

That is truly amazing. Before I ran my first marathon I wondered what it would be like if I ran my first 26.2 miles on a treadmill. I imagined I would get off and run around the YMCA shouting "I just ran a marathon!" And everyone would think I was crazy, but I would know the truth: I was a treadmill marathoner.

Janice {Run Far} said...

WOW! truly amazing... good job. I ran 14 on the treadmill once last winter, i thought that was tough. Way to stick it out and get the miles in.

Polliwog said...

Good work! I did 16 in my training last summer and it was okay, but not my favorite. I haven't done more than 5 since. :)

JP said...

Wow...I'm impressed!!!