Treadmill Running-Anyone do a long period of only treadmill training.

Clearly I need to go to bed already. It should read surface not service.

Christine Clark did

When I ran my fastest marathon (2:18) I did roughly half my training on a treadmill. I think the TM has great training value if used properly. Always run with an incline of 1.5%. This will limit the muscle imbalance that takes place if you always run with no incline. By having a slight incline you work your hamstrings more closely as to running outside. This is because your leg is not being aided by the belt moving backwards.

Joan Benoit, before becoming Benoit-Samuelson, ran exclusively on an underwater treadmill for three weeks before the 1984 Olympics.

I've wondered about this. I don't know. I don't think it's as natural a movement as running on a non-moving surface, so maybe your best bet is to find a stretch of good surface, flat road or trail and use that. Also, use walking to strengthen your legs.

if you are just starting back you can put in more mileage if you do 20-25% of your miles on the treadmill.

I did over 50% of my miles on a treadmill last summer and ran like crap when I finally did a race. But it probably is fine as a supplemental form of exercise. I was doing speedwork and tempos on the treadmill as well and it confused me when I started running off. I am no superstar runner though.

Half Fool wrote:

By having a slight incline you work your hamstrings more closely as to running outside. This is because your leg is not being aided by the belt moving backwards.

You may be fast, bu, WOW!, you're really dumb.

A better idea would be to vary the incline of the treadmill. If you are having a lot of leg injuries, they are most likely caused by the pounding. Running at an increased incline such as 4 to 5% is much easier on the legs than with no incline. It is also much more difficult so the pace needs to be cut down appropriately.

If I don't vary the incline, I start having a lot of knee issues from the pounding and the tightness that causes in the quads. I think the "bounce" of the treadmill is more harmful than helpful.

Crosstraining on an elliptical more can still give you a great aerobic workout and save you from the pounding of running.

I ran on a treadmill exclusively for a long period of time. The only thing I found difficult was maintaining consistent training because after a while running on a treadmill becomes a chore that you start to dread having to do. It's extremely boring, even with a TV to watch.

However, I did get in shape very quickly, and it prevented any recurrence of the Achilles issues I was having from running on roads and pavement.

Tempo runs on treadmills are enjoyable as you can maintain a consistent pace and it is easier to force intensity upon yourself. Normal long runs are simply boring and dreadful to me.

physicist wrote:

Half Fool wrote:

By having a slight incline you work your hamstrings more closely as to running outside. This is because your leg is not being aided by the belt moving backwards.

You may be fast, bu, WOW!, you're really dumb.

Thanks, I was worried that I'd be the 1st person to call this guy out

psosk wrote:

physicist wrote:

You may be fast, bu, WOW!, you're really dumb.

Thanks, I was worried that I'd be the 1st person to call this guy out

Please explain how I am dumb... and btw I don't consider myself fast. I simply wanted the original poster to know that I am not a hobby jogger.

I've done almost all my training on the mill for the past 2 years. For me, helps with consistency. Easy runs, I vary incline. Tempos are great because you can just zone in. Seems to keep me injury free too. For what its worth, I run about 16 flat for 5k. Age 27.

One thing to note is my sprint speed absolutely sucks. Its never been great but wondering if its even slightly declined because of all treadmill running. May add a few 100 meter strides outside, instead of inside.