You just can’t beat getting out into the fresh air for a run, especially when you are fortunate enough to live so close to some cracking forest trails and to an old railway line that takes you right out into the countryside far from any traffic. The chances of spotting any wildlife from the treadmill are also considerably less save for the errant spider that occasionally makes its presence known!
When it comes to the weather, I take it as it comes as far as running is concerned.
Rain: I love running in the rain. Just as well given that I live in Scotland! Some of my favourite races (The 55 mile Cateran Trail Ultra in May of this year springs to mind) have been run fully or partly in torrential rain conditions. What I do hate however, is starting a race in the rain and this is especially true when it involves a great deal of standing about waiting for the designated start time, getting increasingly wet.
Snow: You just can’t beat the extra tough workout that running on snow provides. Even better, strap a head torch on and head out for a night time run in the snow. The ‘warp speed’ light effect is mesmerising! (If you don’t know what I mean, try it for yourself one snowy night. The way the weather is going, you will not have too long to wait for the opportunity to do so!)
Sun: funnily enough this is my least favoured running condition, most likely due to my size and propensity to sweat. However, as long as the temperature is not too high, or as long as there is an accompanying cooling breeze, this is probably everyone’s favoured weather condition. Hopefully my recent weight loss will help to reduce the sweating.
At this point, I am going to throw in a curve ball. Having extolled the benefits of getting out for a run, regardless of the weather, it is time for a confession – I like treadmill running. There, said it.
I know that many people probably rate this on a par with some hideous torture but sometimes you just cannot beat the treadmill.
There is, as far as I am concerned, a time and a place for the treadmill and that is why I was quite so gutted when my trusty treadmill stopped working at the beginning of September. After 3 and a half years of loyal service my treadmill was no more :o(
That alone would have been bad enough but add in to the mix that this was accompanied by some of the crappiest weather in a long time and came at the start of the month in which I had pledged to run at least 5 miles every day. To say that the timing of this was somewhat off would be an understatement.
Looking back, I am surprised it lasted as long as it did. Unlike many home treadmills, this one saw regular and often brutal use. I even did a 4 hour training run on it one day, something I would likely never repeat under circumstances short of house arrest! However, at the time, it was really convenient and, if I recall correctly, it was so that I could kill two birds with one stone by getting a long run in whilst watching the F1!
It has been almost two months now and, faced with the prospect of getting a run in every day of both November and December (Movember & Marcothon), I finally gave in and ordered a replacement machine which I am looking forward to taking delivery of on Monday.
Over the past two months I have done a considerable amount or running outside, come rain or shine, including 25 days in September. As I look to build on this and to bag not one but two complete months of winter running, I will be so glad to be able to step on to the treadmill.
It will be good not to have to layer up each and every day, with its huge impact on the laundry. It will be good to fit in quick runs, grabbed at short notice with no preparation whatsoever. It will be good to keep a steady pace (and indeed to push the pace) knowing that the treadmill will ensure there is no slacking off on those days where I feel lethargic. It will be good to jump on the treadmill, switch on the trance music, and switch off the brain, safe in the knowledge that I can just run without fear of tripping on roots or rocks or whatever!
It will, once again, be so good to have a treadmill there for me, at my beck and call, when I just don’t have the time or the desire to face the elements.
Read about the pros and cons of Training on a Treadmill.
Great blog :) I only started running this year and always ran outside but after I bought a treadmill 3 weeks ago I can honestly say I like treadmill running too!!!
Thanks for the comment. Glad to see I am not alone in my love of the treadmill :o)
I love my treadmill too, even though my ex (what would he know?!) said it wasn't 'proper running' like outside running is!!
Whaaattttt! No way. Of course it is 'proper' running. It might be smoother underfoot with less wind resistance and fresh air than the elements might otherwise offer but, other than that, there is little difference and what's more, you get to do it in the comfort of your own home and/or gym! :o)
Absolutely, mine is in the garage so I can lock myself in and the kids out! Had another comment today, my brother this time, saying 'You do know the treadmill is easy running don't you?', not so much as a blooming 'Well done for getting off your bum' or anything like that!! I don't care though, I love my treadmill :) Sorry, rant over......!!
Fab blog by the way :)
Well done, firstly on getting active, and secondly for the restraint when told that treadmill running is 'easy running'. It's as hard or as easy as you make it, just the same as can be said for running outside! The garage idea sounds good. I don't have kids yet but no doubt the sanctity of the garage will also appeal to me at some point! Nice and cool I imagine as well. Rants are perfectly welcome, and thanks for the feedback on my blog. It is much appreciated.
I did my couch to 5K on a treadmill because I was on a container ship for 5 weeks and there was a gym and no running allowed on deck. One year on, I'm still a treadmill girl, because I love it: loud, good music in my ears, tv news with subtitles to watch (in the gym), no vulnerability, easier on my knees. I do recognise that I'm het up about running outside now, and that the treadmill feels too comfortable. But for now it's still my best option, not least because it's midwinter, it's dark, I'm a lone woman, I live in a city centre where a canal path is the best option, and I don't feel safe on canal paths. I don't really understand the contempt/snobbery of outside runners towards treadmills: running is running and endorphins are endorphins, surely.
What make of treadmill ? Any recommendations?
Hello Pianoforte, apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Unfortunately, we dont receive any notification of comments and I just spotted your comment when I was looking back over some of my old blog posts.
I use the Nordic Track T9 Si Folding Treadmill which received a great write up and a best buy award from Runners World.
www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/.../11429_p.html
I did have a different treadmill previously which had served me well for 3 years. However, when the motor went, I found that the service company suggested that a number of related components also be replaced which, to be honest, I thought was a bit of a con. The total repair cost was going to amount to just over half of the initial cost of the treadmill! Anyway, I came across the above link and, having had a shot of a T9 previously, I knew that it was a solid machine that could take a good pounding. It also has a lifetime frame and 10 years motor warranty which I thought would be useful in case of another motor burnout! Have to say, I am delighted I went with this one. Because it is that bit sturdier, I can take the speed level up a good bit higher than on the last one.
I was really fortunate to have used the T9 before so I knew what I was getting. It's difficult to make an informed decision on the basis of web pictures etc. Best bet would be to google and see what people are saying before opting for a specific make and or model but I would suggest getting the longest possible guarantees, something I did not think of when buying my first treadmill!
Hope this helps
Good luck with the treadmill hunting :o)
You can't beat running outside and feeling the breeze against your face and adminring the sceanery around you but I don't mind running on the treadmill when the weather is too bad to run outside. I also prefer to do my speed & hill training on the treadmill has I find it much easier and convenient. Unfortunately I don't have a treadmill at home ( don't have the space) although it would be nice has I could go for a quick run whenever I wanted then.
Totally agree Spudz, on all counts... can't beat getting outside for a run but it is a handy fallback when the weather is just too bad and/or for speed & hill training. I am really lucky having a treadmill at home - it's my running extravagance and, to give it its due credit, it has helped me log a lot more miles than I might otherwise have been in a position to log.