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FTP run workouts on the dreadmill

Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
in General Training Discussions

 This is more of a comment than a questions; For all you folks who do your FTP run workouts on the dreadmill, my hats off to you! The 10 degree temps kept me inside this morning and I did my 50 min FTP on the treadmill today. First off, this is probably my first time in 2 years on the treadmill. Second, I bought this piece of crap 10 years ago at Costco back in my "not-so-good-shape-days". Needless to say, there is no way this thing was calibrated correctly. I almost died on my 2x1 mile running at "8.3" speed. My heartrate was off the chart.

I do not plan on using that medieval torture device again anytime soon! I'd rather have frostbite.

Comments

  • new2703new2703
    I'm with you Bradley. Always feel like I'm one step away from flying off the back.
  • Jess WithrowJess Withrow
    Right there with you guys - GEEZ! Did my first run on the TM since... well... I can't even remember when... and like John said, I felt like I was about to fly off the back! My HR was a lot higher than normal, too Brad... I was kind of happy that my yoga instructor was walking on the TM next to me just in case I needed CPR! And here I thought it was just me! Phew!
  • Steve WestSteve West
    There must be something wrong with me because I like the deadmill for running - way more than riding a drainer.

    I do prefer to run outside, especially for track workouts and long runs. But if it is slushy, icy, below about 12*, severe wind, or is raining before I start I'll head for the DM. I'm even planning on running a marathon on the DM this spring before Boston just for the fun of it.......

    .... yeah, must be damaged in the head.....
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    A foot pod helps with the pace if your mill has not been calibrated.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    ... and a powerful fan. RPE and HR become useful tools to keep you in check on a treadmill.

  • bc4uabc4ua
    I like doing the first couple FTP workouts on the treadmill to get a sense for what the pace feels like. Plus it feels harder, so when I go back outside it feels like a walk in the park. A big fan is needed. I've done a few without air circulating, and it was terrible.

    Plus it's nice for the reasons the trainer is nice. No dogs, no stop lights, cars, etc. Just run.
  • CarlCarl
    I do 95% of my winter wko's on the treadmill. Matter of fact all mine are on treadmill till its over 38 degrees. Then it's speed work on the track and back to the roads. I've actually gotten faster because the tmill pushes me or I fly off!!!!
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    You all make a good point; the TM takes all the variables out of your run workout. I guess like everything else, you can learn to use this to your advantage, and ultimately embrace it. I used to despise the bike trainer. After last season, I realized that the bike is where I had the most room for improvement and promised myself that riding the trainer, especially in the OS, would pay huge dividends to me come raceday. This was for exactly the same reason - on the trainer, there are no stops or coasting. However, I find the TM really tough! Maybe I just need to learn to embrace it. Unfortunately, I really enjoy my outdoor runs!
  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    I'm on the TM 98% of the time in the OS. I set it to the pace and then hold on for dear life....I find doing the interval work outside harder....
  • drmarinerdrmariner

     I have done virtually 100% of my speed work year round on a treadmill for many years. I favor the precise pacing and control and it definitely makes time fly. I also feel the forgiveness of a treadmill on hard sessions can help prevent injury. Good ventilation, a fan and a mirror to check form is a big help. That said, long runs and tempo runs  I've never gotten use to inside.

  • russGrussG
    Unfortunately, I really enjoy my outdoor runs!

    I think The Love is what keeps us in the game - there is nothing unfortunate about this!
    I love the trails and the roads, like the track, and tolerate the treadmill, but from a training perspective each gives me something different.
    On the trails, I remember that I love to run... and there are some built in agility drills, and the hills are steeper, but it's impossible to train by pace in a meaningful way.
    On the road, I learn to pace myself for racing.
    On the track, I learn to maintain specific pacing and how to push myself to maintain the pace I need to make my half-lap and lap splits.
    On the treadmill, I just have to keep up and I get in a good workout; I focus very internally on form and balance - on a good day after a while it's almost meditative.

    At the end of the day, I think it comes down to your goal and what you want out of a workout.
    There are days when I would skip a planned workout to go skipping in the hills, or even mountain biking - good for the soul, not optimal for training.
    For me, sometimes The Love is as important as the training effect - love of the experience of training and racing is what drives me.

    If your driving goal is race performance, then the planned workout on a treadmill/trainer gives you a more efficient return on time, effort invested.
    But then the treadmill is rewarding to you because it gives you what you need to achieve your goals - just like the trainer did...
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I usually do most of my OS run workouts on the dreadmill, as the 24hr fitness is a block away from my office. I can take a two hour lunch to go run, shower, eat and come back. Real nice that way.
    Heck, over the last few years in the mid-summer TX heat, I was doing my 2-2.5hr long runs on the dreadmill too. When the coolest part of the day is 85*F + humidity, and being a big dood, I need a fan and a fixed water supply!

    I'm with Steve W too, dreadmill is WAY more tolerable than the drainer. Most I can muster on the drainer is 75 minutes. Then again, I live in TX, where today it's a nice crisp mid to high-80s. Both Tue and Wed, I left work early to hit the road!
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    I like the TM, because it forces me to hang. If I get distracted outside, I find the pace slipping down. On the TM, I just turn my brain off and watch the seconds tick. I used to hate it, now I look forward to the short, intense speed work. Plus, I find watching TV while I run to nowhere is useful. I can't long run on it though. Even steady efforts are for the outdoors.
  • russGrussG

    Funny - I like the track because it teaches me to stay focused and maintain pace; I use a timer for 200m splits to keep me on pace.

  • Joseph LombardiJoseph Lombardi

     I love the track...when it is available, not too windy, or slippery & fits my schedule...hate running on the track in the dark (morning or eveneing)...I like the TM as well...only this season have gotten comfortable running my Intervals on the road...its tougher for sure...but I think I like what it is doing for me mentally...we'll see..I have a 1/3mile cirle in my neighborhood which is kinda like a blended track/road venue...it's not flat but not too hilly...I use that in the summer months

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