Do you ever run on a treadmill, does it motivate you? Serious Posts Only, please!

I've ran 20 miles on a hotel treadmill once during a marathon build up while there was a heavy snow storm.

I usually have a towel over the treadmill screen to block out the clock so I don't see the minutes slowly go by and that really helps. Obviously I'd prefer to run outside but occasionally I'll use the treadmill for my normal daily runs especially in the winter if I don't want to take the time to get dressed wearing multiple layers.

It's also helpful for tempo efforts too (assuming your treadmill is a good quality treadmill and not concerned with it falling apart due to heavy strain on the deck and motor).

Treadmill miles are better than no miles so sometimes you just gotta get what you can get.

Appears from the posts like maybe I'm an anomaly, but yes, I regularly train on a treadmill and do sprint intervals, ladders, etc. It's not a sporting goods store treadmill, however, so it easily handles 60 sec. 400s (goes faster, too). If you live in the frigid north and don't have reliable access to an indoor track, it's the only way to maintain a training schedule from November through March IMO.

Yes. I can focus on form and listen to music without worrying about vehicles or other runners.

I mostly can not stand the monotonous noise and inherent boredom. Turning the TV on loud bothered me, too (I sometimes think I have noise sensitivity issues). I tried noise canceling headphones, but sweated them up too much. My ears would moisten and, in time, get really itchy inside. I abandoned that approach - and abandoned the treadmill after less than a year. It was a good quality one so I had no trouble selling it. I consider it a failed experiment.

It's boring, but having something to change every few minutes (pace or incline) makes it a lot less boring. I feel like even a progression workout, where the pace gets harder every few minutes is mentally easier than an even-paced easy day (no matter how slow it is). I guess checking your heart rate every few minutes makes it less boring too (even if it's not accurate, it's still something to do).

I only use the treadmill when I travel for business, and the weather or location is not conducive to going out for a run.

As I've gotten older (closing in on 60), I've appreciated the treadmill more and more over the past couple of years. I certainly don't prefer it over running outdoors, but being in the Chicago area with brutal winters, it is a good option, especially when it is icy outdoors. We purchased a NordicTrack treadmill with the iFit subscription. It is nice that it inclines and declines depending on the course you choose to run. I typically run courses that are around 40 minutes in length. I will say that farlek like workouts break up the monotony quite a bit.

Serious answer: you have to do it long enough to start seeing it lead to fitness gains. Then, the motivation can flow (as long as you care at all about running faster). The thing is, to run 2 miles on the treadmill is like running 2 miles outside for the first time and expecting magic to happen. But if you stay with the damn thing, and put a little work in, you'll find that you can do some stuff that would destroy you outside and over time that can help you get really, really fit. If you have a good treadmill, it's a little like having a great pair of super shoes. You can do more reps, more volume and you'll recover faster. As a bonus, you'll get a little heat training in, which has some additional benefits.

Yes I like running on a treadmill. Of course I always prefer running outside, but treadmill can be a very good tool as already mentioned here.
Especially for workouts, it is really handy as you can have fully control over the speed. Even if the belt speed is not 100% accurate.
Using podcast, audio-books, music, Netflix or some random running races on YouTube passes the time well.
I think that on the previous marathon block I did one 32km long run on treadmill.

This is an excellent thread and proves that we can have decent discussions on Let's Run.com!

I run on a treadmill mostly for convenience even though I've never owned one. I enjoy it when I'm actually in shape. I cover the screen and only occasionally listen to music, to break things up on a long one or motivate during a faster session. I like having people jump on the next mill over, get up to my speed, and usually fade and get off the mill before I do. Used to be like that, anyway. Not as much anymore, mostly cause I'm on the mill less, with a young family. Did just get a weird little cordless fan with a gorilla pod base to stay cooler at the overheated gym...

I've used the treadmill in various seasons of life, and for me the pros were

softer surface

steady pace (set it and forget it, or keep up :P )

adjustable incline

avoids inclement weather

flexible with my schedule

builds mental fortitude and gratitude for outdoor running and the roads

nearby bathroom

I forgot, but as the above poster noted, you can throw a towel over the screen if the elapsed time is progressing too slowly.

I do most of my easy runs on treadmill. It prevents me from going too fast, which usually happens whenever I try to run by "feel." It also allows me to watch some sporting events on tv.

I also do my "hill" workout on treadmill when I am preparing for a hilly course.

And whenever the roads are covered by ice or snow, it is a good backup plan. I once did an 18 miler on treadmill because it was snowing outside. That was the only time I could watch the entire basketball game and still have some time left. I would not want to do that again.

I'll break up the monotony for easy runs by running something like 1.5 miles, doing a set of weights, 1.4 miles, another set, etc. all the way down to 0.1 miles (that's a 12 mile workout). I only do this for easy runs when the weather is terrible. But it's a way to tick off miles and not go nuts.

I've often said that my 20 year old Landice L7 is the best thing i ever bought. I love the convenience of dropping down to my basement shirtless and ripping off miles, mixing up the pace, doing progression runs, even 20 milers when it's crappy outside. Very efficient for one with a busy career and kids. Almost all my speedwork has been on that machine in recent years and I thank it for a bunch of sub3's in my 50s.

Isn't breaking up your miles like that counterproductive? Doesn't the value from running come from the time spent running continuously?

I enjoy the treadmill since it can help push you since the pace is set for you and you just need to hold on. It isn't the same as running outside, it's easier for me in terms of treadmill pace, but it still useful in particular for timed runs. I really feel like it helps with threshold pacing, etc. Also think it is great injury prevention, helps avoid running junk miles. Plus I can take a nap before running since I don't care if the sunset yet.

To stay focused, I usually watch Track All Access training videos (I've watched that Grant Fisher video a few times this year) or a race videos like from worlds or a major marathon, idk gets me pumped and I gives me some running with the group vibes.

As an oldtimer myself I appreciated this comment. One will not run a sub5 mile forever, not even Frank Shorter, read his book!