Sometimes I call it the “dreadmill” and other runners complain that treadmill running is just plain boring. Because I train for races through the winter in Pittsburgh, I often find myself on the treadmill due to massive amounts of snow and ice. Here are my tips to make treadmill running less boring.
Five tips to make the treadmill less boring:
- Listen to music. Using headphones while running outside isn’t safe, but listening to music on the treadmill is a great way to combat boredom. Listen to motivating songs or make a playlist for your run.
- Visualize your favorite route. Visualizing your favorite outdoor running route can help your treadmill run. Picture yourself running outside and imagine each sight, sound, landmark, and hill. You can even increase the incline on the treadmill when you visualize a hill!
- Do a specific workout. I love doing speed work on the treadmill because it keeps my mind busy thinking about interval times and going faster. Instead of running at a constant pace, mix up your run with hard and easy segments. You can also play around with the incline to simulate rolling hills.
- Zone out. Treadmill running doesn't require you to pay close attention to your surroundings like outdoor running does. You don’t have to worry about cars, cyclists, dogs, or other dangers. Running on a treadmill allows you to zone out and just run.
- Use the towel trick. If I run on a treadmill, I often find myself constantly looking down at the time. Looking at the time makes the run feel doubly long so I place a small towel over the treadmill and just go with the flow.
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| The towel trick at it's finest! |
