On Thursday, I ran 18K on a treadmill. The treadmill was in a windowless, unfinished basement in my in-laws cottage with nothing much to look at besides shelves of old VHS tapes and canned goods. And you know what? I actually kind of enjoyed it!
This is not the first time I’ve run a long distance on a treadmill. In 2013, leading up to my first full marathon, I ran 32K on my parent’s treadmill. My plans of a long outdoor run were destroyed by a torrential rain storm so I was forced indoors. The same thing happened this week. Rain totally spoiled the nice long run we had planned in cottage country as part of our half marathon training.
So basically I have decided that I am a crazy person. How could I possibly enjoy this? My run took 1 hour, 48 minutes and 18 seconds. I wasn’t bored and the time seemed to fly by. In fact, even when the power went out due to lightening and I ground to a furious halt, I was unphased. Just turned the music back on, restarted my fan and the treadmill and picked up where I left off.
There’s a certain amount of comfort about doing a long run at home. If anything goes awry, you can just stop, go get a drink and call it day. You don’t have to wear a fuel-belt and there’s no concerns about running out of water. And, if you need anything, you just holler to whoever is around to get it for you. Need a towel to wipe the sweat from your brow? No problem. Someone nearby can probably help.
Also, my pace remained totally consistent throughout and different family members came to talk to me here and there which was nice. I also got to listen to a CD for the first time in years through the sweet sounds of the cottage boombox. When was the last time you even used the word boombox? What’s more, I listened to a compilation of 70s hits. Talk about a #ThrowbackThursday.
I’m sure I’m not convincing anyone that this is a good idea, but as a fun novelty every once and a while, it’s really not that bad. If running on a treadmill still makes you cringe, here’s a cool article via Runner’s World with some unique suggestions on how to make it a bit more bearable. Also, check out these three treadmill workouts that don’t suck (that much).
What is your longest treadmill run?
Swap the TV for a boombox and the boy for me and this was pretty much my experience on Thursday. Just to paint the picture for you.
10km was my longest. It also took me awhile to be able to let go of the hand rests and pump my arms as I was scared I would lose my balance and fall off. Now I’m practicing some barefoot running on the treadmill to strengthen my feet, but only short runs as it is still so nice outside.
Haha! oh Miranda…. that pic just cracks me up. YOU ARE INSANE!!!
I must admit that I do not do the treadmill unless someone is forcing me. I live in SoCal so if anything there are days I would prefer to run inside because it’s too hot. If I let go of of the voice in my mind that says, “I hate this, I hate the treadmill” and relax into it, I can find a place that is something similar to that of street or trail running. I think my longest run was 13 miles. You are amazing! Awesome job!
I realize I am a rare breed. 🙂 Don’t get me wrong, I love running outside, but sometimes, the treadmill is a perfectly enjoyable alternative. 13 miles is a pretty awesome treadmill run though! Almost a half marathon!