[jebba]

I don't work on Mondays or Tuesdays, so I have the kids by myself those days. I end up working out at the Y b/c they have a nursery where the kids can hang out. I work out in the morning because that's when the nursery is available, although I prefer the afternoon to run. On other days I run outside or on my own treadmill.<br><br>
For some reason, I just can manage to run more htan 3 miles at the Y before I convince myself that I am exhausted and need to stop. I can't figure out why I can't power through it. There are tv's on with no sound, music playing, a tv on the 'mill I could watch if I want to, my own headphones if I want them, etc. There are people walking around and it's just a little too hot.<br><br>
I'm guessing it's the combination of sensory overload and the earlier running time that makes my Y runs so crappy. I've run up to 7.5 miles on my own treadmill before boredom has crept in.<br><br>
Any tips on how to cowboy up and get some quality runs in at the Y?

 

[Hippo]

I have several thoughts which may or may be helpful.<br><br>
*Shoot for getting the longer distance by breaking it up: 3 miles, then get off the TM and stretch or lift, then resume.<br><br>
*Reduce the intensity until you're comfortable with the duration: walk some, run a little more slowly, maybe do the whole thing with planned breaks or walk breaks.<br><br>
I've always thought the key to getting my butt in shape is to be willing to try new things: a different place, activity, social environment, or time of day. I know that for me there are some combinations of those that are activities that I <span style="text-decoration:underline;">can</span> do but I'm so demotivated that in the long run I'll just get fat again. You may have more discipline than I do though.

 

[PacerChris]

A way to make treadmill training a little more tolerable is to outline your workout beforehand, write it down, and then follow it. That way you can "prescribe" yourself 5 miles (or whatever distance) with mile 1 at 6.5 mph, mile 2 at 6.8 mph and 1% incline, and then do intervals for a quarter mile or something like that. It helps me because I can zone out to an extent and then when I have to change pace, I pay attention to the distance reading so I know when to change pace again. Just make the plan interesting with lots of pace changes and/or elevation changes, and you'll be done before you get too bored.<br><br>
Maybe. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">

 

[hrmay]

I second PacerChris' idea. I'm always amazed by how quickly my fartleks go (on the road - I really struggle with the TM) because I am just focused on one segment at a time, and by the time I get through them, I'm a long way through my run. Short segments to focus on help a lot as opposed to just staring at a clock that seems to be in very slow motion...

 

[seton]

Are you worried about the kids being in the nursery too long?<br>
That always gets me ....

 

[hawk765]

I am the same way on the dreadmill. I actually ran 12 miles in a bad thunderstorm yesterday rather than switching my days around and doing 5 or 6 on the 'mill <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif"> However, I do find that I can somewhat stand it if I use the preset programs, especially the hill program - it seems to make the time go faster.

 

[Complete Pete]

I've gone up to 13 mind numbing miles on that stupid thing (and think I have to do 10 tonight).<br><br>
Hills or random routes help. Also, cover screen so you're not going "1.26....1.27...1.28" in your mind. When listening to music, I give myself permission to look at the screen every 3-5 songs. 3 songs is about a mile at a 10 min pace (Pink Floyd's Echoes notwithstanding).

 

[joy2theworld]

If you've been able to run 7.5 on your own treadmill but can only manage 3 at the Y, it could be the difference in treadmills. Maybe adjust the speed, or incline and see if it makes the treadmill at the Y a little more tolerable. And I agree with covering the treadmill display with a towel or shirt.

 

[JackDuggan]

what joywtheworld said

 

[tigger]

Your problem is a common one.<br><br>
Several weeks ago I "managed" a 21 mile TM run. It was not easy, but I did it by hitting each mile and asking myself whether I could go another 5 minutes? The answer was always "Yes, I can do another 5 minutes." All those 5 minutes add up in the end! Nevertheless, from 17 miles onwards was a mental struggle.<br><br>
I've spoken to my daughter about this as well. She has a problem doing longer runs because her brain cannot comprehend how she will get through it. I've asked her to break it down into bits and just finish them one bit at a time.

 

[valricokirk]

I've done 12 miles on the old dreadmill by breaking it up into 4 mile segments. I'd fill the water bottle at the break, stretch, get back on and go. Like others have said, play with the speed or incline a bit. Maybe use it for interval training when forced to use it.

 

[PacerChris]

Worst TM run I ever did was a 22 miler. I was travelling for work and was determined to do my long run one evening so I would have more free time with the family that weekend. I was in the plant all day, not realizing that we got about 18 inches of snow! So I hit the TM - 22 miles, no music, no TV, nothing to look at but a wall in front of me with a mirror that only showed half of me (so I couldn't even check out my form!). THAT is something I will never do again - I think that's what they do to prisoners at Gitmo as torture/interrogation techniques...

 

[rlemert]

I've found I kind of like doing intervals on the treadmill. It keeps my pace where I want it, and frequently changing the speed and incline seems to make the workout go much faster. (I've also done 20 and 22 milers on the mill - the NFL playoffs made those more bearable.)<br><br>
At my 'Y' the aerobic equipment fills half of a big room, with free weights and weight machines in the other half. The room is surrounded by a two-lane 16-lap-per-mile track. I've taken to running my regular runs on it - the extra air movement I generate helps keep me cooler. The only real problem I have is when someone either walks in the middle of the track leaving me no room on either side to pass, when two people walk together with the same effect, or when someone starts across the track without looking, sees me, and stops suddenly. In that latter case, if they would just keep moving I'll adjust my path to get around them. When they stop, though, they usually stop right where I was going to go to get around them.<br><br>
(For what it's worth, I'll be putting in 14 miles on that track in the morning.)