FACT #1: it’s tough to run outside when you can’t feel your hands and feet. Where are my feet landing? IDK!
The temps have been dropping in NYC, which has driven me to do more runs indoors. The treadmill and I have been establishing a relationship. It’s getting pretty serious. However…
FACT #2: it’s easy to get bored on the treadmill.
No matter how good Game of Thrones is, if I’m just going at one constant speed on the treadmill, my hour-long run will feel like an eternity. It’s not good to be bored of your relationship…
Luckily, we’ve gone to counseling, and we’ve decided to add some spice to the relationship by incorporating some some speed intervals. That way, our time together gets broken down into little manageable chunks. I focus on the next minute vs. the next 60 minutes. Much better.
If you’ve found yourself calling your beloved treadmill the dreadmill or if you just simply can’t bare the monotony, I’m going to let you in on one of the routines that has saved mine and Dear Treadmill’s relationship, the Need for Speed Treadmill Workout. Just don’t tell our therapist – she charges by the hour…
Take the speeds as suggestions. 5mph should be a recovery pace. 6mph should be a comfortable run. 9mph should be your max effort. Go slower or faster according to your fitness level.
I just saved your relationship with the treadmill. No need to thank me now. A simple bottle of champagne at the wedding will be just fine.
You can also incorporate some dynamic movement into your warm up. Squats anyone? Just sayin’.
Let’s Chat:
Are you a winter runner?
Treadmill: friend or foe?
What do you do to stay entertained during a treadmill run?
This post is linked up with Wild Workout Wednesdays.
ugh I hate the treadmill! I finally got outside yesterday and I couldn’t feel my hands but then I discovered those hand warmers they are miracle workers! If I was going to run on the dreadmill, this is about the pace I would go thanks for the workout!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Don’t Sweat it! Shower Pill Review & Giveaway
Hand warmers. Genius! They should make feet warming socks! oooo
The treadmill definitely has it’s place and I like that it saves me from running in bad weather 🙂 But it definitely can get boring. The treadmill I use actually has an image of a track and shows you as a red dot moving around the track so I do track workouts on it (1200m, 2 800 m, 3 or 4 400m) and that helps with the boredom.
Chaitali recently posted…Tasty Tuesday – Apple Nachos
Breaking it up into chunks like that definitely helps! I want one of those treadmills that has a video of different trails so it’s kind of like you’re running through different destinations. Kind of… haha
I do a running workout similar to this and it makes the time go so much faster. Plus it seems to really help my speed and fitness levels!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Bearwallow Mountain Hike
Definitely!
I was actually looking forward to TM speed work this training cycle, but my hamstring thought otherwise! BOOOOOooooo
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Super Bowl Weekend Food: Camel, Wagyu, Bacon #Wiaw
BOOOOOO, hamstring. BOOOO!!! Ain’t nobody got time for that. Stop it.
Great workout! I need to either invest in a solid TM or find a gym (that I can pay monthly) to use their TM. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Hill Running with the Jogger #IOwnThis
I pretty much only signed up for a gym to use a treadmill in cold months haha. Luckily, it’s only $20 a month. Once I get a bigger place, I’ll definitely look into investing in my own, though!
The treadmill and I went through some counseling too and we are in a much better place now! Dare I say, I’m starting to love it!
Annmarie recently posted…Wild Workout Wednesday: Total Body Burner
Oh my goodness, love is in the air! Just in time for valentine’s day!
I have a hard time running on the treadmill, but I also have the option of an indoor track so sometimes I’ll run a mile on the treadmill, a mile on the track and mix it up that way! Keeping the speed and incline varied is the only way to go!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Romantic Food Ideas for At-Home Date Nights
Oh nice!
This is the only way I can run on the treadmill!! Haha give me a reason to look at the time. This makes it so much more enjoyable! Pinning!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Mocha Cookie Protein Smoothie
Woohoo! Hope you like it 🙂
Uggh, I am so not a winter runner! I hate the cold and I LOVE the treadmill. This is a great winter workout. I watch my Netflix and catch up on all of my shows!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…#Take The Leap: 30 Days of Yoga Challenge
Catching up on shows is the best part of treadmill running!
Ugh I am about to go brave the treadmill. Winter SNOW why?!!! I’m a loath it but love it kinda girl. That Syracuse Half requires mileage and I don’t like to be cold soooo tread *dreadmill* it is.
Renee @ Bendiful Blog recently posted…ROCK the Lunchbox
Bahhh I hope it warms up by the time the Syracuse Half rolls around!
Many years ago I lived where there was REAL Winter. I ran in the snow and slush and on icy streets for several years before finally giving in a buying a good treadmill. I hated every minute on it, even when occupied by a movie or a tv show. I always was so darned HOT and finally set up a fan nearby.
Elle recently posted…5 by the 5th in February
I used to be a winter warrior, but lately I can’t seem to muster the courage to go out in the dark with the icy sidewalks!
I definitely have a love-hate relationship with the treadmill, but I refuse to run outside when its too cold to feel my fingers and toes, or if the sidewalks are too icy and too dangerous. The treadmill is definitely great for speed work though!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Who Is Ready to Rock ‘n’ Roll With Me?
Totally! Those icy patches, especially the black ice, are killer. I’d rather be bored than injured!
love this. i hate the treadmill and don’t belong to a gym nor do i have one at home so i really only use it when i’m traveling and it’s cold or on the rare occasion i accompany a friend to their gym. but it’s a great workout to mix up the boredom!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…February 2015 Goals
I only joined a gym to use the treadmill after braving last winter’s ice and snow. I started using it for other things now that I have access, but the treadmill is my friend until Spring 🙂
I am not traditionally a Winter runner but this year I have changed my mindset. I am preparing for more outdoor Winter runs. I actually invite and enjoy it now. BUT due to challenging schedules I have been running on our treadmill watching MSNBC in the morning. This interval is excellent/perfect. Can’t wait to try it.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Workout Wednesday Link Up #65
Thanks, Diatta! I like watching the news while on the treadmill in the morning, too. Stay informed. Stay fit! 🙂
If I am on the treadmill I always try to mix up my workouts. This is definitely a way to keep it interesting and get you sweating!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…The Benefits of Inversion and a review of the Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table
My treadmill is my bff during the winter. Great workout to beat the boredom.
jill conyers recently posted…Contigo Cortland Water Bottle Review
Thanks, Jill! I liked your roundup, too!
my treadmill and I have a serious love/hate thang going on. I really try to be positive and I vowed not to call it a dreadmill anymore…I think it was making our relationship worse. lol So far this winter I’ve been on it more than last year because I refuse to allow myself to fall off the way I did last year. I run all season so I guess that makes me a winter runner…can’t stop…WON’T stop.
Safari recently posted…Insane or Determined
Love that mentality! I used to be all about running outside no matter the weather, but I’ve been wimping out this year. The treadmill has it’s pros, though!
Love the little mermaid meme, haha! I also can’t stand doing long distances or times on the treadmill…I do however love intervals. Mine aren’t quite at your speed yet, but I’m working on it. I have a love hate relationship with the treadmill in general, but intervals make it easier to love!! Thanks for another great post!
Angelena Marie recently posted…No Equipment At Home Workout + Wild Workout Wednesday Week 5
Haha, thanks Angelena. I can’t imagine being a Mermaid and not being able to run. I mean, all those mermaids and mermen in that movie were pretty jacked, so I guess they don’t really need to run – but still… haha
You have spirit. I hate treadmills with a passion. I ONLY will use them when I need to do sprints and it’s too cold outside to even consider doing them outdoors.
I used to hate them so much, but intervals definitely help break up the monotony – as does a good TV show!
Hey nicole, it’s a great idea. Running on a treadmill is not that fun but it could be if we use some variations on it. You have done that part for me. thanks
I love changing my treadmill speeds – especially going from one extreme to another. I have been going 1 fartlet run a week. By the end of it I am wiped.