Races and Places with Azsungoddess

Treadmill...yay or nay?

9/3/2015

Most people have definite opinions on running on treadmills. I think most people dread the tread.

Growing up, my dad had his own treadmill in the basement that he would walk on. It seemed like a great way to multitask and get some exercise in while watching TV. Once I became a runner, I definitely preferred the outside to the treadmill, but I realized that the TM is a great option whether it is to escape bad weather, staying at a hotel, or just to change things up.

I ended up inheriting my dad’s treadmill. Unfortunately it is so old now that it slips and I only feel safe using it for walking. However, this summer I have opted to go to the gym to run on the treadmill to avoid running in the heat. When I’m on I usually just play with my speed, slowly increasing it throughout, but always at a 0% incline.

Recently I got the chance to try something new on the treadmill. Julie Ann, a coach/personal trainer with portaPT offered me one of her workouts to try on the treadmill. I had heard good things, and was ready for something new.

I chose the “mish-mash intervals “ download, which is about 40 minutes. We started with a long warmup at 8% incline!!! That was a real awakening. Then it went into real hill work, then a ladder workout where you’re gradually adding speed – faster than I’ve ever ran before!! – then finishing off with sprints. It’s literally like having a personal trainer in your ear, guiding you along. She has the most positive, encouraging attitude

Trying out this new workout busted me out of my rut, and I felt stronger both physically and mentally afterwards. I am already looking forward to doing it again, as well as trying new ones from her website.