10 Ways to Beat Treadmill Boredom

Do you feel like you are bored out-of-your-mind while you are running in place on the treadmill?  Well, you certainly aren’t alone.  Running in place can make any run seem longer and staring at the display screen can make the time move slow.  If you are missing running on your favorite trail, try using these ten tips to make your indoor run a little more fun.

 

 

1.       Intervals.  Instead of running at a consistent pace for your traditional thirty minutes.  Try running run/walk intervals.  Use these treadmill interval workouts to mix walking in with your running. 

2.       Update your playlist.  If you love running with your headphones in, treat yourself to three or four new songs each month.  A few new songs is a minimal investment, but an upbeat tempo or motivating lyrics can make the extra mile that much faster.

3.       Take a break.  If you are struggling to fit in other cardio, agility or core work, mix it into your running routine – instead of before or after.  Run for ten minutes, then do a core workout for ten minutes, then hop on the treadmill for another run, followed by ten minutes of cardio.  Your workouts will flow together and the separate workouts will seem less daunting.

4.       Location is key.  If you are using a treadmill at the gym, find a machine that overlooks an exterior window or a television or positioned in a key location for people-watching.  

5.       Lighten up.  If you are running on a machine in your basement, surround yourself with motivational posters, mirrors and lamps for extra light.  Extra light and motivation can go a long way.

6.       Speed it up.  Interested in claiming a new PR at your next race?  Treadmills offer a great opportunity to work on your speedwork in a controlled environment.  Mix faster periods running in with your running routine.  Push your limits with these speedwork interval workouts.

7.       Change your focus.  Adjust how you have always thought about your run.  Focus on running a specific distance.  Or focus on running for a certain amount of time.

8.       The hills are alive.  Play with the incline on your treadmill to mimic the natural grade outdoors.  You will challenge yourself and work your quads and rear in the process. 

9.    Race indoors.  Try racing the person next to you on the treadmill.  They don't even need to know you are doing it.  There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.  Pick someone and see if you can outlast or run faster than them.

10.       Let’s motivate each other.  Hire a running coach or personal trainer to push you to a higher intensity and make the time go by faster.  Contact me to run side-by-side on treadmills.  We can work together on building your endurance or speed.  Great conversation and motivating tunes also makes the time go by quicker at the Running Diva Mom Studio.