WOW: Treadmill Running and WIAW #4
Half Marathon…. knock on wood, cross my fingers, say my prayers, is in 4 Days, DAYS . 4 weeks ago, I hit a PR of 13.1 miles in 1 hr 26 minutes.
Despite that my knees are still not 100%, I’m aiming for 1 hour and 35 minutes for this race on Sunday. My foot is a little better, hoping it keeps getting better. The weather forecast keeps looking better and better! I know its race week for several blogger runners so I figured I’d write a little on how I’ve trained.
How do you feel about treadmill running?
My last run was an < 8 mile run with hills and sprints outside. It wasn’t phenomenal but it was a good run ~ 60 minutes or so. I incorporate outside running as much as possible. I was running with the Big Boss Run club on Tuesdays but because of the dark factor, the time changed to 6:00pm and I just couldn’t get there in time. I hope to run more with the team at RRO after this race, which would be nice. Unfortunately, I have a crazy schedule and often cannot make meet up times or days with teaching, working and frequent traveling. That leaves me to run on my own … sometimes in the dark… or …on the treadmill!
I happen to honestly love treadmill training. Most people ask ” Don’t you get bored after a few miles?“ My answer is no way! I have everything I could need- easy access to water, gels if it’s a long run, my music, TV, fun interesting people in the gym…
Here are more things I love about treadmill training:
- Focus
Focusing on something, like the numbers or the weirdo body builder, can be a wonderful motivator! Who needs a personal trainer?! I can see the numbers and push myself to go faster and farther. If you are trying to drop some lb’s… you can usually see how the calories burned are racking up. Though not an exact estimate, it can still motivate. For my half marathon, I would run the first 60 minutes and push myself to get to 9 miles, then 10 miles etc. before the automatic time reset itself at 60 minutes. I can never stay that focused on the road- too much distraction! - Control
I decide my route- I can switch up the pace or the incline as I please. I can jump off and on, sprint at 12 mph, jog at 9:00 minute pace, etc. I can model the race course with hills at Mile 5 and Mile 10… - Confidence
I am so focused and not worrying about cars, the sun setting, the cold, potential rain, potential crazy people…potholes… - Weather.
I just mentioned it but you can’t predict the weather, though forecasts give you a good idea. You never have to be concerned with a change of the weather or what to wear to stay properly heated/cooled! - Scheduling.
I have a ridiculous schedule and I’m sure everyone else does too! I can “go for a run” whenever I want to on the treadmill as opposed to facing mid-day heat, early morning darkness, or any combination based on time that works best with running
I’ve run almost all of my longer runs on the treadmill ( 12 – 15 milers) or a combination of outside and then inside when it started to get dark, etc. You definitely can’t make it identical to outside but it’s a great alternative. I think a combination of both trail and treadmill are fantastic for training.
Okay, so what else did I do this week to prepare for the half marathon this weekend?
Monday Oct. 31- Shoulders and Triceps, Elliptical 30 minutes
Tuesday Nov. 1- Yoga at home
Wednesday Nov. 2- Elliptical, Back, Biceps, Quads, Abs
Thursday Nov. 3- Yoga
Friday Nov. 4- Rest
Saturday Nov. 5th- Rest – HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big brother 
Sunday Nov. 6th- RACE ! 13.1 miles
How do you feel about running? Running on the treadmill?
What is the best or worst thing you ate this week?
Best: Chocolate covered smores
Worst: Probably chocolate covered smores haha
Oh yes WIAW … here you go food porn
Chicken Pasta Salad …
Chocolate Covered Smores
The remnants of Tofu and Rice Noodle Stir Fry with Veggies….sans carrots
Pumpkin bread (I stuck some in the freezer a few weeks ago) and a Pear.
