Around the 10K mark of my giant treadmill run. Wearing my glasses so I can see the TV. Note the smoothie on the windowsill.
On Saturday morning, I ran 32K…on a treadmill.
With the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon only 40 days away, I’m in the homestretch of my marathon training. It’s been tough, especially trying to find time for these long runs. Saturday was no exception. Visiting my hometown of Kincardine for a wedding, I was planning to run early to get the run out of the way so I could enjoy the evening. I planned an interesting run around my old hood and was looking forward to the change of scenery.
Unfortunately, it was pouring rain. Not just a little drizzle. A torrential downpour. This is not the kind of rain I can be OK running in for hours on end.
The only solution. Hop on the treadmill.
I almost never run on a treadmill, which is probably one of the only reasons why this insane idea seemed doable. It was a weird novelty. I decided I would try to make it an experience and enjoy it. And actually, there were a lot of positives:
- No need to wear a fuel-belt. A steady supply of water was nearby and all I had to do for a refill was summon one of my parents or my husband who was nearby
- I had company for the first bit as my parents have a lovely home gym so my husband and mom worked out alongside me
- I watched two movies. Yup. Two movies.
- I drank a smoothie while running. A beautiful green smoothie out of a pint glass. It sat on a windowsill beside me while I ran and I took rehydrating sips at every walk break
- My pace remained consistent throughout. You don’t really have a choice.
- Lower impact. My hips and knees said thank you
This was definitely running first class. All 3:20 minutes of it. I was pooped at the end. I don’t think I’ve ever sweat more in life. After running from literally 8:45 AM until after 12 noon, I didn’t have a lot of time to get myself back to normal for the 2pm wedding. My refuelling strategy was poor at best, and I paid for it. I definitely did not eat enough after, and rather than rest and hydrate, I drank wine and danced in high heels all night. I was hurting on Sunday. Whoops.
Two more weeks of really long runs and then we start to taper. I hope that all remaining runs can be outdoors. A three hour treadmill run was a fun novelty…once. It is not the kind of thing I would suggest making a habit of!
What’s been your longest run on a treadmill?
I am so amazed you pulled off a 32K treadmill run!!! I would say the longest I’ve ever run on a mill is 10K – and it seemed like forever!
It was forever. But when you’re watching bad movies, the time flies by…kind of… 🙂
I applaud you for getting your long run in. And on a treadmill, yuck. The only training runs I’ve done on the treadmill were while on vacation. Twice on 100+ degree days while in Las Vegas, and four days while on a cruise ship. I much prefer the outdoors.
Oh me too. There is no substitute for an outdoor run.
this is awesome!
Just a question about the marathon training…how often do you do a walking break??
Run for 10 minutes. Walk for 1 minute. 🙂
Wow! impressive long run on the treadmill. I think I may have only made it to somewhere between 10-15km as my longest run on the treadmill!
It’s impressive that you were able to do this! I’m considering training for my first marathon this winter (race day end of may) and I know with these snowy winters, a treadmill may be my best friend some days. It’s good to know it is possibly to run this far on a treadmill!
Oh, it’s possible. But honestly, I don’t think I would recommend making it a habit! Winter running can be pretty awesome! I’ll take a snowy run over the treadmill any day!
I’m almost embarrassed to say. I like the treadmill. I like watching TV while I run. but of course, I’ve never done more than one hour and if honest there are a few walking stretches 🙂
oh yeah and super impressive Miranda. You are an inspiration.