You Really Can Run On A Treadmill

Good morning!  

This morning I did 3 miles of hill repeats on the treadmill and pushed it to 10% incline for my final minute.  That made for a long minute!  Last night I went to the gym and I did a tempo run and was finally able to push my pace below the 10 min mark.  Finally seeing a 9 in front of my pace was so gratifying, I am so ready to push myself harder.  

I can count on one hand how many times I've been able to run outside in 2013, so the treadmill has become a good friend of mine this winter.  When I first started out with the treadmill I could barely push through 2 miles and now I've done 10, just like when I started running it takes time to build up.  Tomorrow I am scheduled to run 12 miles so I am already on the lookout for a good documentary to pass the time.  When I did my tempo run last night I listened to music for the first time in forever and it really pumped me up.  I usually save my music for a race, but yesterday I needed some Bruno Mars in my life.  I thought I would share some of my tips I've learned to pass the time on the treadmill.  

My Top 5 Treadmill Tips 

1. Grab the treadmill at the gym that is facing a window, it is nice to watch what is happening outside      

2. Mix it up, every minute increase your pace and hold it for a minute then slow down for a minute.  It will build your stamina and surprisingly make the time go faster

3. Some people can read on the treadmill but I can't so I've downloaded a few audio books and I love being able to catch up on a book while I am running 

4. Podcasts are awesome to listen to while you are running and can really pass the time.  My favorite podcasts are Runner Academy and Marathon Training Academy.  

5.  If you have a phone, laptop or tablet with the ability to watch TV or movies you can catch up on some of your favorite shows or movies 

My TM in Montana, this sucker would shock me every time I went to change my pace

When I first started to do my runs on the treadmill I really thought my training and mileage was going to suffer.  I honestly did not think I was going to be able to get to a place where I could actually increase my pace and get enough miles to be prepared for the Rock and Roll Half in Portland.  It was my 2nd week in Michigan when I realized that I had 2 choices a) Be miserable and not push myself, make a bunch of excuses b) Give it my all and really conquer my treadmill phobias.  I went with option B and haven't looked back, I can actually say I enjoy running a treadmill now.  There are a lot of benefits to running a treadmill that I never noticed before.  

Top 5 Benefits to Running On a Treadmill 

1. There is always a bathroom for an unexpected potty break

2. I don't have to wear my water and nutrition for my long runs

3. Even in the dead of winter I can wear my cute summer running outfits 

4. Safety, I love knowing I can run at anytime and not worry about a car not seeing me or worse 

5. I can watch my chick flicks and food documentaries without moans and groans from Jess 

We'll be back in Oregon sometime in April and I'll be back to doing the majority of my runs outside.  Of course I can't wait to get back to my running group and of course my BRFF (Best Running Friend Forever).  I'll keep using my treadmill for my speed-work because I know I've been able to push it because of the treadmill holding my pace.  I've been able to learn what a 10 minute pace feels like and have realized that yes I can hold that for a extended period of time.  I no longer fear the treadmill but embrace her as an integral part of my running.  If you are weary of running on a treadmill or feel like there is no way you could much on a treadmill I suggest letting go of your preconceived notions and give it a shot!  That is what I had to do and I am really glad I had the chance to learn to love the treadmill.  

If you are here visiting from SkinnyRunner I am so glad you took the time to check out my baby blog!  You can follow me all sorts of ways!  

Instagram - rundaniellarun 

Pinterest - Dani Sticka/Run Daniella Run 

Twitter - Run Daniella Run 

Facebook - Run Daniella Run 

{are you sensing a theme?!}

Seriously, thank you, having you here is wonderful!  

Do you run on a treadmill regularly?    

Would you rather not run at all then have to do it on a treadmill?

What is your favorite thing about running?

- I love the feeling of pushing my body passed its comfort zone and knowing I am increasing my stamina with each run.  Plus I love the feeling of a great run, I do not know many things that match that feeling.   

Half Marathon Training

Good morning! 

Woke up a little late this morning, didn't get to the gym till 6 and ran an easy 3 miles.  I had every intention of running longer till an amazing idea flew into my brain.  I could keep running like a good runner or I could cut off early and grab breakfast at Starbucks before heading home.  

 

Bad runner, bad bad runner!

Their spinach feta wraps are so good, I need to recreate them, it just sounded better than my protein shake at home. 

I bought this tank at a store called Meijer, anyone ever heard of it?  My description would be a step above Wal-Mart (anything is really) and a step below Target.  I bought it way to small to start with so I had to exchange them yesterday, still a little tight for me but I am not going back.  

I saved you a face shot., Lucy is doing her morning downward dog yoga pose.  

So I am about 15 weeks out from the Portland RNR Half in May and I decided to follow Another Mother Runner's Training Plan for this half.  I would really like to improve my time from last year's half marathon which was 2:29:49.  I don't know what the goal time will be but somewhere in the 2:10's would be an improvement!  The AMR Half Marathon plan is 13 weeks and calls for 4-5 days of running per week.  I am going to follow the plan as closely as possible but because of my schedule and history I'll probably be closer to 4 days a week of running.  You never know though, I may surprise myself and you and bust out 5 days a week.  I realize I am 15 weeks out and the plan calls for 13 weeks of training but I am going to start early and start the plan on Monday.  With traveling right in the middle of my training I am going to give myself a few weeks of wiggle room so I am not stressing about getting behind during our transition back home.  

Somehow its Thursday, it seemed like this week was dragging until Thursday just smacked me in the face.  We are making our Valentines today, so excited to see how they turn out.  I think the girls are excited to get to open the bag of suckers because I might be nice and let them have one...we'll see, kind of grumpy this morning.  Maybe I should have one, might sweeten me up a little bit. 

Don't forget about Sherry's run this Saturday!  Check it out here if you need more info! 

Anyone else in Portland doing the Rock and Roll Half in May? 

Have you followed a training plan before?  

-Besides making sure I get in the necessary long runs for the marathon last year I didn't really follow anything specific.  

Do you get an obscene amount of junk mail in your email?  

-I have like 12,500 messages and I swear to you at least 95% of them are junk...its obnoxious 

Weekly Set Up

Good morning!  

It was an early one for me I was up by 5 and in the gym by 5:30, I never thought those word would come out of my mouth.  I always figured 5:30 would be the earliest I could ever get up.  I did 3 miles and Burn 2 and I can really tell how much I need my strength training.  I like to think to myself I don't need it and I can just run and be fine, but logically I know how important it really is.  Now if I can just get mind around the fact I need to foam roll.  

Saturday I went into the gym to get in some miles and do my Chalean.  It was really cold in there and I thought about just wearing my Uggs to work out. 

I decided to go with my Mizunos instead, better foot support.  

Helloooo Thighs! 

I finally got a chance to sit and read through my Runners World magazine and was so excited to find this little piece of information.  

I have always wondered how Miles Per Hour and Miles Per Minute calculated on the treadmill.  I have been running 5.0-5.5 most mornings so that explains my continual ride in 12 minute pace land.  I am ready to work into the 6.0 territory, we'll see if I can get there or not.  I've been doing my last half mile or so at a 6.0 so that is a start.  I had originally thought I would work towards getting fast in 2013 but life happened so while I still want to work on my pacing I am focusing mainly on maintaining a good level of overall fitness.

    

That is where my personal trainer Chalean comes into play!  I felt I had some of my best runs and was in my best physical shape while I was doing Chalean.  For me it was a good investment because I know I will continue to come back to it for my base strength training for a long time.  At home I have a set of weights that work great and I am grateful I can bring my laptop to the gym here and use their weights.  I would recommend to any fellow travelers to bring a set (or even just 1) of resistance bands.  Those bands create a lot of resistance and you can get a great workout with those suckers.  There are a lot of excuses for why you can't workout and get healthy, but its up to you to rise above them and work towards your goals.  

Remember 23 years ago when I would share my weekly set up with all of you?  I decided it was time to get back to that because having a schedule for anything in life is key to creating success.  I am all about getting the most out of my days and I always jot down my week either Sunday night or Monday morning.  For me personally it is a great way to keep your life organized and make long term goals attainable.

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run 3 Miles, CLX Burn 2 - DONE 

Tuesday - Run, Goal is working up to 5 mi on the mill' *Barre* 

Wednesday - Run, Burn 3   

Thursday - Run, CLX Abs *Barre*

Friday - Run, Burn 1 (Week 2) 

Saturday/Sunday right now are up in the air.  With Jesse's current job situation I have to be flexible because he is my only childcare.  If I don't get into the gym it'll be CLX Burn it Off and/or Recharge.  The same goes with when I can get to my Barre class, my plan is do Barre at least once a week but it will depend on Jesse's situation at work that decides which night I go.  Be flexible, seriously, being flexible is key to keeping sane.  For myself with small children and a husband whose job is very important to him and our livelihood I try to be as flexible as I can be.  I didn't always use to be this way, I can tell you it didn't make me a very happy person.  I always write everything in my planner in pencil because I know how easily life changes and I need to be able to erase and readjust for our current situation   

I hope you all have a really great week, it is up to you how much or how you little you do this week.   How do you want to feel come Friday?

- Do you keep an old school pen and paper planner like me or are you much more tech savvy?

- What is your goal this week?  

Mine is getting to 5 miles on the treadmill 

- Do you consider yourself flexible?  

I am constantly working on it, its not fun for me to be a control freak   

What's Trending, Blue Carpet

Hi! 

This morning I finally found my way into the gym and ran about 3 miles.  I have to say I am pretty impressed with the gym at Jesse's office, its really clean and has a lot of equipment.  

It only takes about 5 minutes to get to his office which is a huge change from his usual 45-60 minute commute back in Oregon.  There was one other person using a stationary bike and I had my pick of treadmills.  I tried two different mills' because one was closer to the TV and I thought I would be able to see it better.  I decided that just wasn't working out because it wasn't close enough to the fan and I was dying from heat.  I ended up closer to the fan and just used Netflix on my phone which passed the time a lot easier than craning my neck to watch the TV.  Seriously my problems...1st world much?!

  They have a full weight rack and some private rooms where I can do my Chalean which is exciting!  A friend of mine suggested I just bring my laptop with me to do Chalean, which was genius.  Luckily there is a private space to do it otherwise I might not be to keen on the idea.  I did my workout yesterday morning in the living room and it worked just fine, plenty of room.  I only have a set of 5 lb weights here which will be fine for the days where I just didn't make it to the gym.  

Can you spot the pug?  Or are you just in to much awe over the blue carpet?  

  So I have found my motivation to get back to my running and cross training...now if I can find my motivation to cut the sugar.  Perhaps the newly found adult acne can push me in the right direction!  I kid you not I have a new zit on almost a daily basis, just as one clears up another pops up somewhere else.  I know its because of my poor food choices of late so I just need to cut back on all of the treats.  I've been giving myself a lot of wiggle room lately because of the relocation and the holidays, but seriously enough is enough!  

Do you notice your hair and skin are affected by what you are eating?  

-Since I cut out sugar most of last year and recently started to introduce it again it hasn't been pretty.  Literally, adult acne is not pretty. 

Are you embarrassed to do strength work in front of people? 

Anyone else craving some sun this winter?!  I would love a getaway to somewhere sunny right about now! 

Treadmill Workouts

Good morning! 

This week has flown, I woke up still feeling like it was Monday and realized it was Wednesday.  My weeks don't seem to take long anymore, I remember dreading Monday, but now I almost look forward to it.  Another chance to get started with the the week on the right foot.  This week has been lacking in the get up on time goal.  I have been staying up way to late for it to be possible to get up at 5 which is annoying.  It also makes getting in my runs and CLX a challenge, I haven't missed anything scheduled yet but its all been at the mercy of my kids.  I cannot stress to myself and everyone out there, get your stuff done in the morning.  Get up and out of bed and get your run or cross training done before the day begins for everyone else.      

Yesterday I did my treadmill run, I didn't set a distance I just set a time goal.  30 minutes was all the time I had while the girls were watching Daniel Tiger.  I was able to get 2.8 miles done at a 10:38 pace and I was dripping in sweat.  I do not sweat as much during a regular run, but when I run on the treadmill I pour sweat. It was different for me to put a time limit on my run instead of a mile number but it seemed to work out and I think I'll try that again next week.  

My brain has officially just turned off...must be hunger, I have no idea.  I will learn my lesson of the day, get up early!  I cannot even do 1% of the things I need to do if I don't get up early.  Just a little personal PSA for myself!  Back to our regular scheduled programming...just kidding I have no nothing.  

If you are looking for some treadmill workouts to do at home or at the gym I have linked to a few that I think are really good.  

Peanut Butter Fingers is always good for a circuit workout:

Circuit Treadmill Workout 

Treadmill Walking Workout 

This is from Active.Com: 

4 Workouts to Make the Most of your Treadmill Time