Monday Materials: The Dreadmill

Happy Monday, peeps!

I hope your day has been good to you! It's the start of a brand new week, and wedding week for a dear friend!

Yesterday consisted of being completely lazy. Completely. I literally did nothing. I like those days ;)

We had dinner with Aaron's parents (I shared this pic yesterday, but it was so good I figured I could share it again).

I also noticed that someone *cough* Paula *cough* fixed a sign on my fridge Saturday night during our cookout. That's the countdown to HER marathon ;)

I had a few requests to hear about how I make the Dreadmill (what I call my treadmill) more enjoyable. First, let's be honest. It's not going to be enjoyable. I think a better word is tolerable. Here's how I usually make it seem like less of a chore, but some days these things don't work ;)

1. Get a decent treadmill

ESPECIALLY if you're going to be completing long runs on it. I did a 12 miler on my last treadmill and it was HORRIBLE. It was not made for longer runs. I could usually get away with 6 being doable, but much more than that was miserable. I now have the NordicTrack C990. I can literally feel the difference in how this treadmill runs from my old one. It was an investment, costing me about $1,000. To me, it was worth it. It helps me keep from making excuses to get my run in. I can run ANYTIME I have free, and don't have to leave my house (well, I have to leave the house to get to the garage..... but still, you get the picture).

2. Tablet/Music

I use my old iPad to watch Netflix while I run. I do ok with music, but better with a show or movie. For long runs, I watch a movie, for shorter runs I watch episodes of certain shows I love (Last Man Standing is my current favorite).

3. Find workouts online (or get one from your coach)

Finding tempo runs, or HIIT runs as they are sometimes referred to, for your treadmill makes the time fly by. I find a few on Pinterest, but most of the time I make up my own. By constantly changing the incline and speed every minute or two, I focus more on what I'm going to change next verses how hard the run is. It REALLY works for me! I can share a few, if you want! Just let me know!

4. Keep your water and GU handy

This is a bonus for the treadmill. Usually I carry water in my FlipBelt water bottle, but it gets hot pretty quickly. With my treadmill, I can have a HUGE bottle of ice cold H2O handy for whenever I need it. I also don't have to fool around trying to find my GU or figure out where to put the trash once I use it. I just put it in one of the cup holders and throw it away after my run!

5. Keep your runs as short as possible

If your plan is flexible (and it should be), avoid running your long runs on the treadmill unless absolutely necessary. I will switch a long run for a short tempo run on the treadmill any day! Running 6 is much easier on a treadmill than running 15, trust me!!

I hope these tips take some of the dread out of the Dreadmill! Have a wonderful Monday evening!

What is your favorite cookout food?

Do you have a treadmill?

What do you do to pass the time when you run on a treadmill?