1/2 marathon ?

littlesir

My friend and i want to do a 1/2 in Sept...is it possible to train on a treadmill? I don't run outside, i don't really have the option w/ my schedule/son.

I have never run a race before, but figured if it is in Sept, that should give me time...i just run on the treadmill, and usually go 4-5 miles at a time, because Im doing a strentgh training program as well.

 

AndysKandi

I am no expert at all but my opinion is that it would be hard. I started running in March 2011 and decided to enter a 5k in June. I trained 100% on the treadmill and although I did do the race under my goal time, it was a lot harder than I anticipated.  It's completely different because you are dealing with wind, terrain, people, and most of all, the fact that your legs are moving you - not the treadmill belt moving your legs. To me, running outside is WAY harder (although I know there are people who feel the opposite, so there ya go).

I do still love my treadmill still for rainy days, but I have taken 90% of my running outside now and I am training for a half marathon in June.

 Maybe you could try a shorter race first and see how treadmill training goes for that? Otherwise, make a real good effort to incorporate at least one outdoor run a week. On whatever day you have off, do what you need to do so that you can get out there for a run (preferable your long run for the week). Line up a babysitter or friend to watch your son or whatever.

I know it's not easy scheduling things but generally, when there is a will there is a way! Its not easy for me either, between working 50 hours a week, being in grad school, having 2 little kids, and my husband works 60 hours a week plus is training for the same half marathon. It's way easier to just go downstairs on the treadmill - but not as beneficial. So it is hard, but we figure it out. There are many people in various situations who struggle to find a way, but they do because it is important.

Good luck - it is great that you are already doing 4-5 miles at a time! And I am excited to see more of the answers also.

 

gt7301b

As long as you get in the miles I don't think it is really a big deal as long as you don't mind running on the treadmill.  I personally think it is easier running outside and have zero motivation when I run on the treadmill.  However,I have a friend who trained for a marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill.

I would sign up for a couple 10Ks and 5Ks before the race as a art of your training. 

littlesir

Thanks ladies!

my only problem w/ other races...i work primarily on weekends, and need to request off 6 months in advance in order to get the day off, which is the reason i am planning on the 1/2 in the fall...And, I haven't been approved off for this day yet either.

  i'll try my best to get outside. My friend and i walk once a week, and do at least 10-12 miles walking, and since she is the one that i plan to do the 1/2 with, we will incorporate running those days..

 I know running for me is harder outside than the treadmill, so I am hoping the transition isn't too bad!

 

Thanks again!

shauni27

I agree that you should try to do some running outside--it is harder at first when you are used to solely running on a TM, but once you get used to it, you will love it.  But you don't want your first (or one of your first) run outside to be on the race day.  If you can do 1 day a week outside running (the day you walk with your friend is a good idea) then I think you will be ok.  

kristinanddan

littlesir:

  i'll try my best to get outside. My friend and i walk once a week, and do at least 10-12 miles walking, and since she is the one that i plan to do the 1/2 with, we will incorporate running those days.. 

So you go for like a 3 hour walk? Definitely use that time for your long runs. I can't imagine your first outside run being a half marathon. Running outside is so different than running on a treadmill, you definitely need to make time to get some of your runs done outside. 

jgleespen

I would definitely start running outside before your half.  The first half I ever ran, the first time I ran outside was the last long run before the race.  It was incredibly hard, and every half I have ran since then I have done all of my training runs outside.  I think it's possible to do some runs on the TM, but personally, I think it's best to have the majority of your training done outside.

stpetegirl

If you are taking 10-12 mile walks you should be using that time for your long runs. I think you could probably do a few runs a week on the TM and your long runs outside. 

KeweenawLove

littlesir:

My friend and i want to do a 1/2 in Sept...is it possible to train on a treadmill? I don't run outside, i don't really have the option w/ my schedule/son.

Can't you just take your treadmill training time outside? It doesn't take any longer to get outside.

WinesNotWhines

I think you could do most of your runs on the treadmill, but I'd try to do at least one run per week outside, preferably your longest run. When I ran my first race (a 10-miler), I did almost all of my training on the treadmill. I was totally fine. Good luck.

littlesir

i do my workouts when my son is asleep. would take him, but he is not a fan of anything longer than 3 miles.

C.squared

I've trained for a few 10 milers and a half almost entirely on the TM just b/c of scheduling.  I either run on my lunch hour (it's far too crowded where I work to run outside during that time) or after my DD is in bed (and DH travels a lot, so I run on the TM in my basement with a baby monitor).  I find it FAR easier (and more fun) to run outside and haven't had any real "trouble" on race days, but I do find that my body is a lot more sore from running on the pavement.  I'm a lot faster outside than on the TM, though.  I also do try to do at least one run outside per week - usually my long run.  GL!