Running on a Treadmill - 5 Quick Tips and Strategies to Make Treadmill Running Easier

Because I don't see well, it's a no-brainer for me:over it.
when there is snow on the running path, I can't run.Another thing that I do to defeat the monotony and
Same goes for temps below 20 degrees. It's notthe repetitious slap of feet against treadmill belt and
much fun when it's that cold, and can be dangerous ifmake the treadmill running more tolerable is that I
the weather takes a turn for the worse while youlisten to my mp3 player. I will select music that I
are out in it. So during these unfavorable conditions, Ihave listened to during some of my different
usually resign myself to running on a treadmill.outdoor runs, preferably ones that had great scenery
Treadmill workouts are not my favorite thing, butand beautiful weather. For example, while I was on
they do serve a useful purpose: mainly to keep mevacation in Hawaii in 2002, I was listening to Shakira's
from going crazy from not getting my running fix! But"Laundry Service" for the 3 weeks I was there. Now,
I have to admit that if that was all I could do - runwhen I run on the treadmill, with Shakira along for
on a treadmill - I don't think I would be a runner. Ithe fun, I can visualize myself running along the path
just love running outside so much. Even though Iby the canal, watching the kayaks float by just like
don't see well, there is just something wonderful, yetI'm in Hawaii again, even though I'm really still in cold
indefinable about being outdoors and running thatand frigid Montana. Listening to a good book on the
defies my understanding as to why I love it so much.mp3 player can accomplish the same thing and make
But regardless of the reason, in order to be able tothe time go by faster, too.
run outside when the weather is better and not haveAnother tip for running on a treadmill at your local
to completely start my training regimen from scratchgym, is to get a treadmill by a window if you can.
every spring, I use the treadmill to keep myself inThe gym I go to has huge picture windows, so I
shape. That way I am able to do longer runsmake it a point to get a treadmill running position as
outdoors once the weather improves.close to one of the big windows as possible. Not only
Since I don't enjoy running on the treadmill, but find itis the temperature in the gym cooler near the
to be a necessary evil, over the years I haveexpanse of glass, but the light and view give me
developed some tricks that I use to keep myselfmore of the sense of being outside, which helps me
sane while running on the treadmill.enjoy the run much better, even though I'm still
One mental speed bump treadmill runners have is therunning on a treadmill.
focus on the progress showing on the display screen.It is also a good idea to use your time running on a
It seems like we spend the whole time watching thetreadmill to do some speed work. I can't do speed
seconds tick by one by one by one interminably, andwork when I'm running outside, as with my vision
wondering when will it ever get to zero so that weissues, I have to really be attentive to where I'm
can stop. One strategy I used to defeat thisgoing. Since I'm not able to run fast outdoors and be
psychological time bomb and energy-deflater was tosafe, too, I punch up the speed on the treadmill and
put a towel over the display panel of the treadmill.really get a good sweat going. I also find that if I do
This way I can't see how much time has passed orrun faster, I don't feel like I need to spend as much
how much further I have to go. It's amazing howtime running on the treadmill, as I've gotten the same
much more quickly the time flies by when you're notor better workout in less time!
focused on the countdown of every single second,The other big positive about running on a treadmill, is
one by one. But here's an additional bonus tip forthat it gets you into the gym and the workout
you, and it's free; I won't even charge you for it :)mindset, so you are more likely to do the weight
Use a bigger towel, as a hand towel will slip off thetraining, too! And that's a good thing, isn't it?
display, and all of a sudden you find yourself jumpingHow 'bout it?