LOLZLetter Edition 36| The Pros and Cons of Treadmill Running
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On a personal note, I'm coming off the Atlantic City Half, my first and only tuneup for the New York City Marathon. It was my slowest half marathon in years but I ran a total of 20 miles with no hamstring issues (which is a huge success).
Anyway, back to the newsletter!
This week's newsletter is about treadmills. Now that it's getting colder and darker earlier, the treadmill can be a safer and effective alternative.
There are very few things that spark more debate in the running community than asking this simple question: is running on a treadmill really running?
If you've followed my blog for a while, then you know I don't mind the treadmill at all. I wrote a post about it here. I like the ability to run specific paces or feel safe during my training if the conditions outside might lead to injury.
So What Are the Pros vs. Cons of a Treadmill?
Pro: The Convenience
The treadmill is always there. If the weather or family obligations create a need for you to stay inside, then you can jump on a treadmill without worry. I don't have children, but I know many badass parents who run the majority of their miles on the treadmill so they can keep an eye on their young kids. Or maybe you go to the gym and run on the treadmill while your children are in onsite childcare.
Honestly, there could be a hundred different reasons to choose a treadmill; they are always a reliable option to get a run in.
Pro: Different Inclines
One of the best advantages of the treadmill is that you can train for any terrain. If you're running a marathon like New York and live in a flat area, you're able to do some incline work on a treadmill. If you live in a hilly area and want to try a flatter run, the treadmill can mimic that.
Pro: Avoid Inclement Weather
Whether you are avoiding thunderstorms, hail, or tornados, there are certain times it's not safe to be outside. Still, I know what you might be thinking, and I get it – you never know what a race day is going to bring. Boston 2018 was terrible weather! That being said, remember that race organizers are never going to have you risk your safety. There are many days I don't feel like running in torrential downpours or a hailstorm, so I safely run inside. When we spent a few months in Alabama, I ran inside when we had local tornados touchdown. Never forget that running is not worth risking your life!
Pro: Safety
Along with better weather, treadmills are often safer than running outside. If you are travelling in an unfamiliar area, you know you can get a safe run in on the treadmill. While running in a new environment is always fun, if you are staying in a hotel near a highway, sometimes the best option is running indoors.
Con: Treadmills aren't "really running"
One of my biggest (running) pet peeves is when people say, "you aren't a runner if you run inside." You are a runner if you enjoy running: end of story.
When running on the treadmill, you're simply running on a moving belt.
It’s true – there is the added element of wind resistance when you run outside. However, there has been research to show that setting your treadmill to a 1% incline grade provides the same benefits of wind resistance plus the belt moving under you.
Con: Boredom
It wouldn't be a treadmill article if I didn't acknowledge the many people who feel the treadmill is boring. Remember, you get to run; no one is forcing you. Everyone certainly has their preference, but there are several ways to keep entertained on a treadmill, including podcasts or books. I like to watch TV when I run and catch up on my favorite reality shows.
Pro and Con: Pacing
Pacing can be considered both a pro and a con. With the treadmill, you set a pace and your job is to hang on. You can adjust paces and just run. You don't listen to your body because you run the pace the treadmill moves.
The negative side of that is if your running is always paced on the treadmill, then you never learn how to listen to your body. The treadmill dictating your pace can be considered a crutch. On the other hand, if you run all of your miles on the treadmill at a certain pace, when you get outside it might feel more natural.
Pro and Con: Injuries
The treadmill can cause issues that running outside won’t, but the treadmill also has its own unique benefits. Most people don't realize the belt of a treadmill has more give than roads or cement. In fact, many treadmills are padded underneath the belt, and that is great for your body.
Like a lot of modern technology, treadmills are only getting more advanced. Heck, you can even run on an anti-gravity treadmill which takes the weight off of you completely.
With the pros, there are also cons. The treadmill changes a runner's gait which can lead to problems. Research shows running on a treadmill can cause higher stride frequency and shorter stride length. An unnatural stride can cause injuries.
Things Keeping Me Entertained:
IAAF to Investigate Nike's ZoomX Vaporfly Following Multiple Broken Records
A man in a banana suit was a Toronto Marathon frontrunner
The New Culture of Hammering Races Right from the Start
Kipchoge Debates Buying Race Photos vs. Just Sharing Watermarked Versions
Ali on the Run Show Carrie Tollefson
Carrie is an Olympian and podcast host (and so much more). Carrie recently completed a 2:51 marathon, and it was fun to hear about it. Two of my favorite Podcasters, Ali and Carrie, talking for 75 minutes was a great listen. Plus, both will be hosting live podcasts at the NYCM.
Shoe review of the week: New Balance Fuelcell Echo
As always, thank you for reading and if you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful, good or bad.
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