The Dreadmill? Really?
Photo Credit: City of Fort Collins, CO Flickr via Compfight cc
So I had a brief conversation recently with my sister about the difference between running on a treadmill and running outdoors. More specifically, she found it much easier to run on a treadmill. She felt like the motorized belt does most of the work and you just have to pick your feet up and move them. I, on the other hand, prefer running outdoors, as I’ve discussed in previous posts.
While I usually go kicking and screaming, there are some occasions though where I am forced to get on the dreaded treadmill, aka the dreadmill. I asked my FB running family what their best tip and tricks to surviving are and I thought I’d share them with you in order of popularity:
- Netflix – watch a movie and/or tv show
- Music – put on some good tunes and jam out
- Towel – use a towel to cover your screen so you don’t feel like you’re looking at it every 30 seconds
- Podcasts or audio book (bonus tip – if you like mystery/crime one runner suggested listening to Serial and Dirty John)
- Mindful running – Focus on one part of your form and really try to work to maintain it. Switch body parts each mile
- Intervals – add interval training to your runs
- Catch up on news articles on your Ipad
And by far my favorite – courtesy of Mike C – “If you feel confident with explosives that would be good…If not a sledgehammer works nicely. If these measures fail, you tube has some excellent virtual runs.” Thanks Mike! You can find one example of these virtual runs here.
Which tip is your favorite? Would you add anything to the list? Let me know in the comments!
Go. Run. Fitness anywhere – Jen