What do you call the Treadmill?

Is is just a treadmill or do you HATE the thing?

My Treadmill Experience

When I started running. I had a MAJOR bias for the outdoors. The outdoors is like opening the wardrobe into Narnia. Oh…wait this is a better explanation; it’s like when Dorothy landed in the Wizard of Oz- FULL of color and LIFE! 

The outdoors is what I depended on to help me fight through the darkness of depression. 

I physically depended on the sun to give me vitamin D. The thought about running indoors wasn’t even a small consideration until…

I started to feel healthier and saw others running longer than 3 miles at a time.

These ladies and gents showed me that running was a limitless sport and even though I was finding peace during my hard times, the sport was versatile.  

As I gave in to the peer pressures of long distance running, I realized I needed a treadmill in my life. I know a lot of runners DREAD the treadmill, but let me explain how the treadmill does have significant benefits and perhaps will change your mind. 

Weather

I live in Atlanta, so the weather isn’t terribly cold in the winters, but there are times you still may opt to run indoors. I have seen some dedicated mommas hitting the pavement in the snow and ice in the North and I have nothing but respect for them. Currently, I love the mild winters here and even though it may be 30 degrees, I can dress warm enough so that I comfortably and ready for a run. I may even wear shorts, but in the winter it will always be a long sleeve top, gloves and a jacket will do me good. 

Once it drops below 30, y’all…I am choosing the treadmill. 

Another instance where I would choose treadmill is during thunderstorms or severe weather. I had a particular experience running in a thunderstorm and NO m’am. No fun at all. In fact, my strong 23-year old son decided he would save his own life and left me to fend for my self. 

All while yelling, “COME ON, MOM!” 

So, if it’s lightening and raining, catch inside. 

Time Of Day

After running in the wee hours of the morning at “dark-thirty,” I told myself this wouldn’t cut it either.  

I do understand that some runners will run before sun up and after sun down, but after some recent tragic events with female runners, I have decided that running alone in the dark isn’t for me. If not just for the safety issue, but my anxiety goes through the roof as I am hyper-cautious of all my surroundings. The stress I feel on these runs prove to be counterintuitive. 

This is in no way me advising anyone of whether to run during these times or not.  You do what is best for you. I will say this, bring protection; mace, whistle, let your watch track your location. 

I had someone tell me to carry a gun. 

WHAT!

A whole gun while I am running. 

Girl. I can’t! I just can’t. 

If I have to carry a gun while running, I don’t think I would be able to enjoy my run. I didn’t grow up using guns, in fact I grew up surrounded by neighborhood guns, so this option is a hard and fast, no. 

Treadmill Perks

At the time of this blog entry, I don’t own a fancy treadmill. I have a ProForm model I bought from Facebook Marketplace for $150 bucks. It is sturdy and does its job. Now, in the future maybe I may get one like the Peloton with bells and whistles, but for now my regular tread is working well for me. 

I have noticed that there is definitely a difference running on a treadmill compared to running outdoors. 

Pros

First, you have a softer landing. This helps people who may have certain injuries. Instead of pounding concrete, you are running on a much softer landing. 

The treadmill allows you to take more control over your environment. Rain or shine, you run dry. You can adjust the incline so that you mimic running a hill or flat pancake roads. Honey, I love this because I will choose incline 1% all-day if I could. (Hush, I said if I could, but I don’t)

Most recently, I realized that as I was working on my speed, the treadmill is excellent at training your body to go faster in a controlled environment. When I run outdoors, I have to be aware of intersections, other runners, bicyclists, or animals. I have to stop for cars, watch for uneven roads, and even heaps of dog poop (of which I stepped in last week). Nasty stuff even got my my Cr8zy socks! 

On the road, my speed is dictated by my surroundings. Running indoors, it’s just you on this machine and you get to control the narrative. 

Lastly, running on the treadmill will help you change your form. 

When I started my winter season of training, I kept it indoors on the tread. Once I got outside again, I noticed my run form was changing. I am still a work in progress, so it’s not 100% perfect. Until recently, I use to only land on my heels. By running on the treadmill, I’ve noticed my running form is becoming more of a mid-foot strike. I feel like I run lighter when I am running in this form. As I run on the tread I can look at myself in the mirror. I can see my hips are properly tucked under by body, my glutes are activated, my feet are becoming quicker. Y’all, this treadmill is an angel in disguise! 

Why People Call it the Dread-mill!

In my opinion, the main reason people dislike the treadmill is BOREDOM.

If you have ever run on this machine you already know it can be a snooze fest!

It is especially boring running in one place for miles at a time.

One way to help you with the boredom is to get a subscription to a fitness service like Peloton, and run with coaches. I personally love this app. Peloton has helped me drown out the feelings of boredom because you feel as if you are a part of a class. The coaches are lively, energetic and push you while you run at home. 

If you are against paying for a subscription, go to Youtube and just watch a video of rolling hills or serene roadsides for free. I use to do this before my subscription. I can be very calming.

Let me say this, if you are someone who does full marathons on the treadmill you are bad-ass! 26.2 miles on a treadmill is at a whole other level in my eyes. 

Rock on baby Rock on!

I hope I have giving you a few reasons to change your mindset on the criticized treadmill. It can be very beneficial in so many distinct ways. 

Give it a try and tell me what your thoughts are in the comments. 

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