Not REALLY Like A Hamster Wheel

This entry was written on Jan 26, 2009 by our Running Guru Heidi Splete

I will say upfront--I don't like to run on treadmills. And so I don't do it. Maybe someday I will find myself in a situation where I would, but currently I live where I can run outside year-round without too much discomfort. If the weather is truly dire (i.e. icy) I'll take a day off and possibly try to fit in a walk or some time on the exercise bike as a form of cross training.

But many runners love treadmills as a way to get in a focused workout in a limited period of time, or just as a relief from the elements, or an opportunity to watch TV while running. I always said that colleges should project movies during the running of the indoor 5K and outdoor 10K. 25 laps gets pretty boring--and that's for the runners! My mother famously said that watching me run a 10K on the outdoor track was "like watching paint dry." That said, she stuck it out through many track meets.

So, for you runners who want to add a little treadmill to your workouts, especially during the cold, dark midwinter, here's a link to a nice little article on Active.com with some ideas for a treadmill workout, including how to set the incline so you don't miss out on hills.

Happy Running!

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Treadmill_workouts_to_keep_life_interesting.htm