LOLZLetter Edition 24| Running on the Treadmill Can Be Fun
Welcome Back or Welcome to the 24th Edition of the Newsletter
Hopefully many people enjoyed the cooler weekend. My good friend Alexis and I drove up to Connecticut to run the Sea Legs Shuffle 10 Miler. Over the last 12 months, I’ve been to New England more than ever. If there is anything I’ve learned, it’s that there really aren’t a lot of flat areas. Everything is hills but I digress-
I appreciate anyone who can share the newsletter and help it grow. As I’ve mentioned, the goal is to reach 1000 subscribers by the end of the summer. Right now, there are 899.
Subscribers are important because it’s how brands and companies determine which newsletters to sponsor (all this time I thought it was my winning personality!). So while it can feel annoying to always ask people to share, it's necessary and the best way to help the newsletter grow. Thank you again!
When I asked what people wanted to read about this week, many people wanted to know how I ran almost 40 miles on a treadmill last weekend during the heatwave.
Not only did I do it, but I didn’t hate it.
Many long-time friends and followers know I went to college and worked in Upstate New York. I spent plenty of winters training almost exclusively on the treadmill. When the sidewalks aren’t clear or it’s -30 degrees, it’s not fun or useful to be outside.
IfI don’t feel safe, if the treadmill is more appealing, or if I’ll get more quality miles on the treadmill, that’s where I run.
There is zero shame in running on the treadmill. Where you run only affects you, no one else. If running on the treadmill makes you feel good...cool. There are some days I prefer the treadmill even when the weather is decent. Several professional athletes have said they do a lot of running on the treadmill. It’s a really useful tool.
I enjoy running outdoors, but I'm not going to do it only to be miserable or unsafe. That includes 110-degree weather or cold, icy conditions.
The treadmill definitely has its benefits. I’m able to set a certain pace, zone out, and go. A few years ago, there was a significant ice storm the night before my last twenty miler ahead of the Phoenix Marathon. It was a situation where I either pound out 20 miles on a treadmill or miss the run. I watched three hours of Say Yes to the Dress, and it wasn’t bad. Last weekend it was either do a long run in 110-degree heat or run inside. I opted for the treadmill without much hesitation.
I ran inside and set my treadmill on a decline. Since my marathon is downhill, I was able to get a quality downhill run.
How do you run on the treadmill if you hate it?
First, change your mindset:
If you call it the “dreadmill,” of course you aren’t going to enjoy it. Remember, it is often the better alternative when circumstances aren’t ideal. Embrace the fact that it’s a tool you can use.
Do a Workout You Can’t Normally Do:
Is your area hilly? Use the treadmill to do a flat run. Or use the treadmill to run a hillier run. Create a run that you aren’t ordinarily able too. You have so many options at your fingertips.
Last weekend, I practiced downhill running. I own an X22i which will do downhill (down to -6%). Since the marathon I’m training for is downhill, I need to practice that. I don’t have canyons to run down in NJ, so this is the best option.
Find a Friend:
Most runners don’t run at the same pace. With a treadmill, you can both run at your respected speed but still run together. It’s a great tool to catch up with friends and both get a good run in – or walk or whatever. Sometimes I run next to friends who are walking, and that doesn’t happen outdoors.
Netflix and Run:
I can’t count the number of TV shows or series I’ve binge-watched while running. You can catch up on TV, the news, or whatever you enjoy and still get a run in. It’s a lot harder to watch TV and run outside.
These days, podcasts are all the rage. I find it much easier to listen to a podcast inside versus outside. I wrote a post about podcasts that I appreciate right now.
The treadmill isn’t a bad training device. Sadly, it does get a bad rep. Changing your mindset is the best way to take advantage of its benefits.
What is Happening to Brooks?
By now, you might have wondered why it’s taking you around 10,000 years to receive a Brooks shoe. Whether you order online or shop from your local running store, Brooks has extended delays.
Here’s the inside scoop: They changed their factories from Seattle to Indianapolis which has made their shipping extremely delayed. It’s so delayed that even their signature shoe, the Ghost, was deferred from a July 1 update to mid-late July.
There is no word of how long the delays will continue.
What is Keeping Me Entertained:
Citius Mag: Dhruvil Patel –
13x All-American, 6x National Champ of DIII. I swam and ran DIII (not all four years and you can read the full story here). I cannot begin to tell you how much fun and enjoyable it was. I think it’s essential for high school athletes to get out of the mindset of D1 or nothing.
U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon Granted Gold Label Status:
By now, you have probably heard of the changes to choosing the US Olympic Marathon Team. This article explains all of the changes to the marathon.
Athing Mu is an American record holder and a budding track star — and she just turned 17
(plus she’s from Trenton, NJ)
There are a lot of young stars in track this year. Athing Mu turned 17 last month just after she ran 600 meters in 1:23.57 at the U.S. indoor championships.
Giveaway Winner:
Finally, maybe my favorite part of the newsletter because I like giving back to the readers and those who are enough to share! Here is the internet link if that makes it easier.
The winner of the Tailwind Endurance Fuel is Rob. C who shared on facebook.
Finally, I appreciate every single email back and try to respond to each email.
Any feedback good or bad is always helpful. Is there a specific topic you want to see more about? Don’t be a stranger and let me know!
You can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful, good or bad.
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