Jan 25, 2023
Winter Running- Treadmill Edition
So, it’s that time of the year when the temperatures are getting low. It leaves you wanting to stay in the house snuggled in your bed with your hot cup of cocoa watching Netflix all day.
But guess what you signed up for that race, you’ve got goals, and you’ve got miles to get in, but you don’t want to feel like an icicle outside. What’s the next solution? The dread mill, yep, the treadmill. The thing some of us dread so much that it has a new name, dread mill.
You’ve tried to run miles on your treadmill or the treadmill in the gym and you just can’t seem to get past a mile or 2. You find yourself constantly looking at the screen and taking frequent breaks because you are so tired of being on this treadmill.
Does anyone else feel like this?
How can I train for the 10k, half marathon, or marathon on the treadmill during these winter months?
Here are 5 key factors to help you have a successful run on the treadmill.
- Get that music playlist together.
Yep, keep your mind busy, and set your music playlist for however long you will have to be on the treadmill. Having a great playlist will have you thinking less about the miles and more about bumping songs you’re listening to.
- Cover that display screen up.
I know it sounds funny but cover up the display screen with a towel or your jacket. It’s something about looking at the screen that makes the miles come so slowly. When you spend less time looking at your mileage, you’ll allow yourself to spend more time enjoying the run.
- Create an Interval Workout
Change it up. When you are running on the treadmill sometimes it just feels boring because you’re just running miles. Vary your workouts. Try on some speed work or tempo runs on the treadmill. Changing the speed or incline will help vary the monotonous of a run. It will also allow for time to go faster because you’ll be more focused on changing the levels than on how long you’ve been running.
- Run with a friend.
If you’re able to hit the gym with a friend. Plan a run together. It’s something about someone else on the same task as you, that you can chat with to allow the time to go by faster that helps in dreading the run.
- Change your mindset.
If every time you go running on the treadmill you say how much you hate it, how you can’t do it, or how it is so boring. Guess what? It will be just that. Change your mindset around the treadmill and take it on as a new challenge to conquer.
Winter running can be difficult especially when you can’t get outside, and you must run on the treadmill. Follow these tools in helping you not dread the treadmill. Let’s start embracing the treadmill, the challenge, the obstacles, and the triumphs. Remember sharing is caring.
What strategies do you use to help you run on the treadmill?
By: Felicia. R. Hall @feliciarhall
Felicia is an educator and motivator at heart. Felicia is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Run & Fitness Coach, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Educator, and a doctoral candidate. She is a small-town girl who loves running, nature, and helping others become the best version of themselves.