Treadmill Running Tips
I definitely prefer to do my runs outside when I can. Running outside is great to get a change of scenery and soak up some Vitamin D. However, sometimes the weather isn’t conducive to running outside. During these times, it is good to have a backup plan.
This is where the treadmill comes into play! The treadmill can be an amazing piece of equipment. Those of us who have access to a treadmill are very fortunate. But that doesn’t mean that sometimes treadmill running isn’t a drag. Sometimes running in place for long periods of time can seem a bit, well, boring!
There are ways to make treadmill running a bit less boring and a lot more fun! Here are some of my favorite tips to spice up your treadmill runs!
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I want to start by saying I am so thankful to have a treadmill. I bought the Sole F63 a few years ago and I can honestly say it’s been one of the best investments I have made, especially when the pandemic hit! It is a high-quality treadmill for a reasonable price (compared to some). I feel so fortunate to have a treadmill in my house, so I want to preface by saying that having a treadmill is a privilege!
Watch Your Favorite Show or Movie
Running on the treadmill is a perfect time to catch up on your favorite show or to watch a movie! My personal favorite types of shows to watch while running on the treadmill are mindless reality shows! It can be fun to try a series that you reserve only for your treadmill runs. This can make the treadmill runs more special. It will also give you something to look forward to – you’ve got to catch up on your show!
Movies can be great to watch during treadmill runs too. When I do a long run on my treadmill, I love to watch classic Disney movies. They’re nostalgic, bring back good feelings from being a kid, and don’t require too much thought!
Pump the Jams
Another great way to pass the time on the treadmill in a fun way is to pump the jams! Listening to fun and fast-paced music while running can definitely help to bring your energy up. My personal favorite type of music to listen to while running is EDM. The fast paced techno beats are perfect to help me get in the zone for my runs!
It can also help to make a special treadmill playlist. You can use Spotify to create a playlist that you only listen to on your runs. You can add songs that you know will pump you up and make you want to run a little faster!
Try a Guided Run on Youtube
This is something that I recently discovered that is really fun! You can try a guided run on youtube. If you search for “Guided Run for Treadmill” on Youtube, you will find some guided runs that you can listen to/watch while you are running on the treadmill. Some of the videos feature a guide who will run through some cool scenery.
If you are a brand new runner, I recommend checking out this video by The Run Experience:
Reward Yourself
Something that can be highly motivating while running on the treadmill is sprinkling in little rewards for yourself. A few examples of rewards could be running for a certain amount of time and then taking a break, allowing yourself time to walk and have some water after a certain amount of time, or promising yourself that you will do something special after you complete the treadmill run.
I love to reward myself with a shower after my treadmill runs. It helps me to feel both accomplished and refreshed!
Listen to a Podcast
I have recently discovered podcasts and now I frequently listen to them during my runs. There are so many different podcasts out there. Depending on what you are in the mood for, you can find a lot of great podcasts to keep you engaged and interested.
My favorite time to listen to a podcast is when I am doing a short run. The episodes vary but the ones I listen to are usually around 30-40 minutes. When the episode is over, I end my run.
Vary Your Pace and Incline
One of the best ways to keep treadmill runs interesting is to add variety. You don’t need to keep the runs at the same pace or incline the entire time. You can switch it up! I personally love to start slowly and gradually increase my pace over the course of the run (which means I am running negative splits).
You can learn more about running negative splits by checking out How Important are Negative Splits?
You can also add strides (short bursts of speed) or inclines for short periods of time to add some variety to the run. Changing the incline can help to simulate an outdoor run. Get creative and have fun! Just remember to stay within the boundaries of your training plan so that you don’t overdo it!
Share Your Run
Something that has been highly motivating for me is sharing my run with friends after completing the run. Over the years, I have developed a group of running friends. This is a group of runners (mainly on Instagram) who support me and I support them. We share our running journeys and support each other through the highs and lows. It is highly motivating and a lot of fun!
Sometimes if I’m doing a run on the treadmill, knowing that I will be sharing my run with my running community is just the boost I need to not let up! The fact that others will see it provides an extra layer of accountability.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Simple Treadmill Pace Chart: Convert Minutes/Mile Pace to Miles Per Hour
The Surprising Benefits of Running Hills
What is a Running Coach? Why Should You Hire One?
Get Motivated to Exercise During a Pandemic
6 Comments
I’ve used all of these except for the guided Youtube runs. I don’t run on the treadmill very often but one of these days I’ll try it. Thanks for posting!
Like Jenny, I’ve tried all of these EXCEPT for guided YT runs! That sounds really interesting! My favourite show to watch when I’m on the treadmill is anything crime-related. Somehow figuring out who did it or why makes me forget I’m on a treadmill.
I rarely run on the treadmill but if I do I like to do some kind of interval workout. It seems to make the time go faster. I usually listen to a book to keep my brain distracted. ๐
I agree – interval workouts definitely help!
I often run on the treadmill in winter. Guided runs on iFit and a good podcast help pass the time for me!
Same here! It definitely helps!