6 Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your Treadmill Run

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Just say to no to holiday weight!  Be sure to pin these 6 tips for getting the most out of your treadmill run.

 

Some say this is the season to put on the pounds.  To that I say, bah humbug.  I’ve got nine months of getting back in shape for swimsuit season, so let’s do this!

Unfortunately, my body has been protesting.  Who said it had a choice?  I’m a runner, and I love my treadmill runs.  But when I begin to increase the miles, I often pay the price.  I’ve been battling tendinitis in my right ankle and a tightness in my left knee for several weeks now.  I’ll push through it, ’cause it’s going to take more than a sore ankle to make me stop running, but I maintain the right to complain a tad.  I also have a few tricks up my sleeve to help me perform my best both on the treadmill and when I’m not!

• New shoes – I’m really bad about getting new running shoes.  They say you’re supposed to swap out every 300-350 miles, but I don’t actually count my miles.  I’ve just been in the habit of getting new shoes when the old ones look beat up.  Unfortunately (I guess it’s unfortunate in this circumstance), when running on the treadmill, shoes look fine even when worn out.  So now, I write in ‘new shoes’ on my calendar.  I generally stick with getting a new version of the same shoe unless I’m having an issue.

• Mix it up – It’s tough for me to do this, but I know it’s important. Don’t focus on just miles or just pace.  Alternate goals for your runs.  And think beyond the running!  I go to a personal trainer twice a week and on those days I don’t run.  And since my ankle has been giving me trouble I’ve been cutting back on my miles and also subbing a running day at least once a week for an elliptical day.  Ugh.  Not my thing, but it’s better than no workout at all!

• Manage pain – It doesn’t matter what else I do, sometimes I hurt.  When I’m sore, I take ibuprofen, and at night I’ve been taking Advil PM to put my aches and pains (and self) to bed at night.  Not only does Advil PM  soothe my worn out body, it helps me get a little extra sleep so I’m ready to tackle the day in the morning.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – More exercise means more water.  And just ’cause you’re working out indoors doesn’t mean you don’t need to drink while you’re at it!  With the cooler days, I’m less likely to take my water bottle everywhere, but it’s even more important with my increased workouts.  #notetoself

• Heat and ice – They say (they being WebMD and others I’ve asked), that ice is best for acute pain and heat is best for lingering pain that persists for longer than six weeks and stiffness.

• Rest day – Yep.  This one is surprisingly hard for me.  Rest day…. no day of exercise.  Apparently, the body needs time to repair itself.  I don’t ever plan a rest day, but I usually get one just because time gets away from me.  🙂  Such is life.

I’ve shared how Advil PM helps me get ready for a perfect night sleep! You can save on Advil PM and other Advil products from Walgreen’s with these offers.