I think I might be a rarity. I do almost all of my training on a treadmill. I only know a few runners locally, and they talk about going off for runs with this person or that person. I run alone. On my treadmill. And since I am not out on the roads, or trails running, I don’t meet a lot of other runners around here. Most of the runners I know, I have met online, and they live in other parts of the country. And I don’t think any of them train exclusively on treadmills.
You would think a treadmill would be a poor substitute for getting out on the road and running. But I have run a couple marathons, a half marathon, and even an extreme trail ultramarathon (50k), and other than a few rare runs outside, all of the running has been on the treadmill.
I like the treadmill because I can set it and run and precise target speeds. This is nearly impossible to do outside. And outside, it is difficult to find nice level terrain, short of going to a track. And if I am going to be running around a track, how is that any better than running on a treadmill?
While it might not be a social vehicle, a treadmill is a great tool for training. Boring yes? But it serves it’s purpose.
Hey, Rob! Matt M here… and I do about 90%+ of my training on treadmills. Love it.
I just didn’t want you to feel all alone… tho, technically… you are pretty much alone since you run on a treadmill.
Okay, gotta motor.
Comment by Matt M — August 3, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
Hi Matt!
I am trying to think of how many training runs I have done outside, I am guessing maybe six or seven total. Definately under ten. So I am guessing my treadmill percentage is maybe 98%. I don’t track my milage in a spreadsheet or anything. I print out my schedule, and just check off my runs as I do them. I have had my treadmill for just over a year, and I am guessing I have run over 1000 miles on it.
The treadmill is definatly showing wear. I plan on running it into the ground. Then I am not sure what I will do. I might buy another used one, or maybe go to the local sporting goods store, and buy an higher end model, and buy the service package.
Comment by Rob — August 4, 2007 @ 6:47 am
Rob,
I knew you did most of your training inside, but i did not realize how much.
Last year’s Rochester Marathon was higher then normal temperatures. You may wish to do at least a few of your long runs outside on hot days so you have a feeling for how your body will handle it. Especially if you have a time goal in mind.
Al from Spencerport
Comment by Big Al — August 11, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Hi Al!
Don’t worry, I will be fine. I did not run the marathon in Rochester last year. BUT I did run the half marathon. And I did it only a month and a half after I started running at all. I will fine! Thanks for your concern.
BTW, find me and say hi this race. And the plan is for my wife to be at mile 21 with the OCB (LVM 21 cowbell). Well at least until after I pass, then she may head to the finish line to wait for me. I have been training for a 3:30, I will be targetting a 3:45, and am hoping for a sub-4 hour marathon! LOL!
Comment by Rob — August 12, 2007 @ 9:17 am
I am glad to know others do a lot of treadmill running. The heat is extreme where I am and my runs are horrid outside but quite comfortable indoors. I was worried, though, that too much treadmill running would not be adequate training for a marathon.
Comment by Krista — August 15, 2007 @ 11:04 pm