I don’t love the treadmill. Fact is, I would prefer snow, wind, heat and any other elements outside (except ice, no ice) to being inside running on SW (Satan's wheel). Sure there is a time and a place for it (speed workouts, when it’s icy or dark outside, when you have bowel issues and need a bathroom ASAP), but I am simply an outside runner. Plain and simple.
Here I am on a treadmill. Not loving it:
I know there are some major treadmill fans out there. I’m not saying it’s wrong. It’s just not Beth’s personal preference (do you like when I talk about myself in the third person?)
Why don’t I like it?
- It’s boring as hell
- Snot rockets are frowned upon while on the treadmill. And I love a good snot rocket.
- On a treadmill you don’t see all of the goodies you see on an outside run like used condoms, empty beer bottles and underwear.
- I fell off of one once and have PTSD.
- I don’t like staring at walls.
- I live in Colorado and like being outside.
- There are no trails on the treadmill.
- I don’t think it simulates real running. If I’m training for a race that is not on a treadmill (that would be 100% of races) then I want to train on the surface and in the conditions I’ll be running in on race day.
That’s why Beth thought it was hilarious to listen to this TED Talk the other day. Title: “Treadmills Were Actually Designed to Torture Us.” Maybe you didn’t know you came here for a history lesson, but it’s too late to back out now.
In the 1800s a version of the treadmill was created to punish English prisoners. They would have to walk on a wheel for up to 5 hours per day. The prisoners moving the wheel actually created power to make the water mills work. Genius! (hence the name treadmill). What was found was that it wasn’t the physical challenge that tortured people but the monotony of the treadmill.
Can you imagine if the gyms in our country utilized power from all the people on the treadmills for something? The options are endless: making smoothies, heating saunas, propelling power toilet flushers.
In 1911, the first patent was obtained for the treadmill. And, so it goes.
So, if you’ve ever had moments of disliking the treadmill, now you know why. In essence, you are torturing yourself. In the best way possible.
Treadmill vs. outside –> what is your preference?
Do you have a treadmill in your home or do you go to a gym? We have one in the basement. I don’t use it.
SUAR