Time for the annual treadmill article as winters in Minnesota can be frigid, snowy, dark, or a combination of all three.

Sometimes running outside isn’t feasible – or at least wouldn’t be very fun. When those situations arise it’s nice to have a back-up option…the treadmill!

If you’re like me, I used to despise the treadmill. I never felt right on them and would rather be outside getting some fresh air! However, once my mindset changed regarding running in general (to a more relaxed approach), hopping on the treadmill has actually become enjoyable.

Here are few things that help me during treadmill sessions:

• Ease into it – starting out well below your normal pace allows your body to get used to being on a treadmill
• Slow down – most of my runs are at a slow/steady pace, I keep this up while on the treadmill
• Change it up – I find mixing in hills to mimic trail running helps the time go by
• Submit to reality – know going into it this will not be like running outside, so stop the unfair comparison(s) to nature

I’ve found myself running on the treadmill more often this winter than ever before – and actually liking it! I’m not sure what is causing this change (maybe the four bullets above?), but the treadmill has become an important part of my training. Is it time for you to give the hamster wheel another chance?

For an in-depth article regarding treadmill running and ways to incorporate it into your running routine, click here.

Photo by Ryan De Hamer on Unsplash