Categories: Fitness

Two Runs That Just Clicked

This weekend’s runs have just clicked.

Yesterday, 4 miles with the New York Junior League Run Club. I’ve been a handful of times and always have a fun time when I go. Yesterday, someone asked me if there were pace groups. “Nah,” I said, “we just kind of naturally fall into pace groups.”

We took off together and ended up staying in the lead the whole time. I wasn’t trying to run fast, so it was a nice feeling to be ahead of everyone else. It’s moments like that when I want to pinch myself to remind myself that just a few years ago, I could barely run a mile.

I missed a tempo earlier this week, so today’s run was 7: 2 to warm up, 5 at half goal pace.

I woke up congested from my heater (I know, I need to use a humidifier) and couldn’t get motivated in the morning and then was busy all afternoon.

I’m not rooting for either team in the Super Bowl, so I decided to hit the treadmill and get some work done tonight instead of going to a party. After having had plans the last three nights in a row, I was more than okay with a night at home.

That run wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t supposed to be. Mentally, the idea of seven miles on the treadmill was daunting and so was the pace (8:34.) After the 2-mile warm-up, I was already ready to get off, so I just kept resetting it. 2 miles, 2 miles, 1.5, 1.5…and done. The pace wasn’t easy but once I got going it was only difficult mentally.

How do you make treadmill running less awful? What’s the longest you’ve ever run on a treadmill?

Theodora Blanchfield

View Comments

  • Great job getting your runs in this weekend! I like to do my intervals on the treadmill to keep me entertained. I think the farthest I've gone on a treadmill is six. I'm not sure I could do much more!

  • Ohh you're going to think I'm crazy, but I've run 17! I really can't handle the cold so most of my marathon training was done on a treadmill.
    I learned to love it - sure it gets boring, but you can find some good TV! And benig so close to a bathroom and not freezing your butt of are major perks.

  • Lately I've been able to zone in somehow on the treadmill. The first mile still sucks, but after that I somehow am able to get all zen and ignore the fact that nothing is happening around me. The longest I've done is 4 miles, though. I'm not sure I could do 7!

    I do think having a good playlist is key. I have to mix it up a lot more when I run on a treadmill than when I'm running outdoors.

  • I watch tv shows on Netflix and time goes so fast. In the winter with wind, snow and ice I embrace the treadmill.

  • I've done 6 miles on the treadmill and that was enough!! However I have decided that when I next live somewhere less gentle in terms of climate than California, I'll be investing and embracing a treadmill...they are useful things sometimes.

  • I hate running on the treadmill but find it really hard to run at a set pace outside. I usually do interval or speed workouts, or go at a time that a show that I want to watch is on!

  • Treadmill running is painful...I've been playing Treadmill Roulette from carrotsncake.com. It saved me this winter!

  • Great job getting in your runs!

    I remember when doing half an hour on the treadmill felt like so long! Now, I generally keep my treadmill runs to an hour (8 miles) and anything longer I run outside. I like to mix it up with intervals and a good playlist. With this cold the past few weeks, I had to get in one of my Boston training runs inside (15 miles - 2 hours! ughhh ) and it was so horribly boring I'm not really sure how I got through it.

  • The longest I've ever run on a treadmill is 5 miles. I truly hate treadmill running, but as the winter drags on, it's getting to the point where I have no choice. I try to keep it interesting with music and television at the gym, but after a while I have to take a break and keep resetting it so my mind does focus on the distance. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

  • i am training for NYC half right now, and living in Nebraska so lately the weather has had me having to do my long runs on the treadmill. this past saturday it was 9 miles. and with another winter storm expected to hit us saturday, guess i might be doing 10 on there. 10 is the longest. to date. btw where is the best pizza/italian (that doesnt cost an arm and a leg) near CP? I am staying at the Salisbury. Thanks!!!

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