Attention runners: can you train for a race...

[L Sass]

on a treadmill? My brother wants me to run the Indy half marathon with him next Spring. I'm a casual runner, and got in 4-5 miles on my treadmill about 4-5 days a week. I'm a stay at home mom, so with the kids and the harsh winter months approaching, running outside is not really viable. For those of you who run races, do you think it's possible to train effectively on a treadmill? (I've got a good treadmill with incline options available) Thanks for your inout.

Lorrie

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

I'm in your shoes! I am training for a 1/2 marathon...it's on the 17th. I do most of it on the treadmill because I care for my kids and by the time DH gets home from work it is so late.

However, you REALLY eed to try to get a day or 2 outside. It is a lot different and your body needs to adjust to the weather, the pavement, the fact that you are 'actually' moving forward (seriously). At first, I was very disoriented and felt dizzy and screwed up. It a run or two for that to go away.

If you can do your weekend runs outside, you will be fine. At least do your long runs outside...that's what I do. Besides, speed work, tempo runs and hill training is easier to monitor on a treadmill.

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi Lorrie-

I trained for a half marathon using mostly the treadmill for my runs. My 1/2 was scheduled in April and I had to start training in January.. I live in Michigan so I definitely had to do my runs inside for a good chunk of the training.

You said you are running 4-5 x week.. if you can get at least one run outside during the week, esp. the long one, I would think you will be OK. I think its a bit harder ( but much less boring) to run outside. I find the pavement to be much more impacting on my legs/knees than the treadmill. Granted the mental toughness on staying on a treadmill is pretty challenging as well, so maybe that part is a wash!

Good luck.. I am sure you will be great!!!

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[banslug]

Lorrie-Thanks for asking this question, and thanks to those that replied. Tomorrow begins my training for a FULL (and my FIRST) marathon in January 2006. Like many, I have 2 young kids and can't run outside. However, I am making that extra effort to make my weekend long runs outside as much as I can!

GOOD LUCK!

Gayle