How To Stay Sane On The Treadmill
I am intimately familiar with the treadmill. I’ve probably completed 65% of my runs on this device. I’m not a winter runner (although I run outside in the winter once in a while) and I’m definitely not a summer runner (anything over 70 degrees is a strong NO). So I’ve spent more time hamster wheeling it that I’d like to admit.
The treadmill can be boring. Crazy boring. Spend enough time on there and you can start to feel as if you are losing your mind! I have run 10 miles plus on multiple marathon training occasions. When you are training for a big race and the weather is not cooperating AT ALL you have to find ways to get comfortable running indoors, quick!
Here are some of the things I do to make sure I stay sane throughout my treadmill workouts:
- Charge up that tablet: I love to Netflix during runs. It is the easiest way to catch up on shows and a fantastic distraction. Some people use their phone but I love to use my tablet because the screen is bigger and it feels more like a TV!
- Bring snacks: A Huge mistake I made when doing long runs on the treadmill was forgetting to bring fuel. I’d remember when I trained outside but would always forget indoors. Having fuel in the middle of a long run helps to keep your energy up tremendously!
- People watch: now this may seem really creepy but see what other people are doing at the gym. Are they doing something different? Nothing at all? You might even learn a thing or two.
- Stretch: take both of your feet and put them on the non moving sides of the treadmill every hour. It’s a great way to reset, assess how you are feeling and stretch if you need to.
Lucky for you it’s also time for our monthly runner workout series “Run IT” with a few of my favorite running blogger buddies. Check out THEIR tips for staying sane on the treadmill — they are really great!!
Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Sarah @ Run Far Girl
Allie @ Vita Train 4 Life
Carly @ Fine Fit Day
How do you stay sane on the treadmill?
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t grab your free fitness journal before you go!
Leslie
Monday 27th of February 2017
The Husband loathes running on the treadmill (no, that's not an exaggeration). But sometimes it's necessary. It doesn't bother me as much, but then again I don't really go for long runs. Going to pass this series along to my husband, because with another race to train for, you know he's going to need these tips!
Terri
Thursday 23rd of February 2017
So treadmills really aren't the greatest, but I never understood why people dread them so much. I just hookup my music and get lost in the music. That being said, I really do prefer to run outside.
Laura
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
Snacks are definitely a must for long runs on the treadmill! I used to bring boxes of raisins rather than gels, because they took longer to eat and that gave some entertainment.
Tamara
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
I totally want a treadmill! If I went to a gym, I'd watch TV, listen to music, definitely watch people!!
Carly
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
Oh the people watching!! My last gym the treadmills faced a wall (at least they all had tvs) but my current gym faces the strength training floor and I totally people watch. The gym is a great place for it!! Love the snack tip, too, that's something lots of runners forget when they're stuck on the treadmill.