Tuesdays on the Run: Treadmill Running Tips

Hey everyone!  Once again, I dropped off the map.  Sorry!  It's been a lot for me to get things done around the house, take care of the pup, get workouts in, prepare for Baby Fish, etc. that I've just been too tired to get a blog post ready to go.  I keep saying every week I'm going to get better, and then I don't.  So, I'm just going to say that I will do my best with the blog, but taking care of myself and my household will be the #1 priority.

Anyway, I'm going to do the pregnancy update and share more about my weekend tomorrow because I have a fun topic to talk about today!

We're going to talk about running!  I'll be linking up with the lovely ladies behind MCM Mama Runs, Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run!

Since most of the East Coast is dealing with lots and lots of snow and many other areas are dealing with sub-freezing temperatures, I doubt people are spending much time running outside.  Guess what that means?  Treadmill running!  Not everyone really enjoys running on the treadmill, so today I'm going to share some tips for treadmill running.

(Side note: So glad this Tuesdays on the Run topic coincides perfectly with an old tradition around here of Treadmill Tuesday!)

Stick to your normal outdoor running workouts--just use the treadmill!
The treadmill doesn't have to derail your training.  In fact, it can actually enhance it!  You can still do your fartlek, speed workouts, Yasso 800's, long runs, hill repeats etc. on the treadmill.  In fact, I actually prefer to do speed work on the treadmill, since I can manually adjust the speed and force myself to run faster.  The treadmill really can be your friend!

Make a game out of it.

Whether it be a personal challenge or secretly competing with the person next to you, making a game out of a treadmill run will make the time go by much faster!

Bring a friend.
Workout buddies ALWAYS make things better!  If you have to run on the treadmill, bring your normal running buddy and chat away just like you would when running outside.  This is also a good test of your exertion level (you should be able to hold a conversation without much trouble when running)!

Switch up the running and strength training!
One thing that helps me with running on the treadmill is to run a set distance/time, complete a set of strength training moves, hop back on the treadmill for another set distance/time, then head back for another set of strength training.  I keep this up until I've completed all sets of my strength training workout AND the distance/time I wanted to run for.

Follow a treadmill workout.

Treadmill Speed Pyramid Workout

The beauty of the treadmill is that you can control the speed/incline very easily.  Completing a set treadmill workout always helps the time go by faster for me!  If I know I'm running at a faster pace/steeper incline for only 2 minutes, I'm much more motivated than just setting out to run X amount of miles.  A quick Google or Pinterest search will yield a ton of treadmill workouts, but I love the variety that Julie has on her Treadmill Workouts page.

Set a new goal each time.
Having a goal for each treadmill run will give purpose for your workout, as well as motivate you to actually complete it!  Maybe go up 0.1 mph on the speed each time, or run for one extra minute.  Whatever the goal, set one and strive to reach it for each treadmill workout!

Here are some other tips I've shared before on how to avoid dreading the treadmill!

Head on over to the Tuesdays on the Run link-up for more treadmill running tips (and to visit some great running blogs)!

Question for you;  What tips do you have for treadmill running?