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Monday, February 15, 2021

A Few Pet Peeves with Milly


Milly. She's my treadmill. Suffice it to say that our relationship is marginal, at best.

While I am most grateful to have an indoor option for running and walking (especially these past two weeks), that doesn't mean it's all roses and rainbows. Once in awhile, I'll be pleasantly surprised with a run that doesn't leave me questioning my sanity or grit. More often than not, though, my runs are dread-the-tread excursions.

I accept that this is all on me (well, most of it). A lot of runners enjoy their runs on the 'mills, and don't have the issues I do. Honestly, I'm quite envious. 

While I can suck it up and tolerate a treadmill run on occasion, the 2021 polar vortex (still happening as I type) has had me 'milling it for my last seven runs. Doing the math, that's approximately five runs too many over the course of 12 days. I kid you not.

There are several reasons why treadmill runs aren't my first choice when it comes to fun and fitness. One such issue, is the heat factor. Our treadmill resides in our mudroom, just off of our garage. I have a scenic view of our back yard, but there's also a heat vent directly overhead. Even with the vent closed off, warm air still emits from it during the cold months. Fortunately, an indoor run does allow me to wear my summer gear, so there's that. And, truth be told, I'd rather be too hot than too cold...but at least in the summer months, I have a better view because I'm outside.


Another annoyance is the fact that it's so boring. Sorry, folks, but Milly just does not draw me in as a "fun" workout. Admittedly, for a few days, early in the vortex, I kind of liked the change of routine. I mean, I didn't have to negotiate the weather (good thing, because it was too cold and far too dangerous on the streets, especially in the o'dark hours). But, as I was cueing up my fourth 'mill run, I had already bailed on that train of thought. Getting excited, at the thought of 30-45 minutes of running-in-place, just wasn't happening. None the less, I did the runs anyways. If nothing else, they strengthened my grit-training and mental endurance.


Have I ever mentioned that Milly is crazy loud? She's almost 20 years old, after all. I can only assume newer models aren't quite so boisterous. Even if we had a place for a television screen, I'd have a tough time actually hearing any of the dialogue. I've tried watching music videos on my phone, but those are hit & miss because I can't get the volume loud enough. Since there aren't any legit distractions, though, it does give me a great opportunity to study my reflection in the window, and work on my form (foot strike, arm swing, posture, etc.).


Maybe this is just me, but treadmill running feels so hard compared to simple street running. This is such a paradox. The irony is that the belt kind of does some of the work for me (while I kind of try to "keep up" with it). Case in point, last summer I ran a virtual 10K on the 'mill. My finish time was 1:01:30 which was a good seven minutes "slower" than my usual 10K pace. This 10K, even at that slower pace, felt so tough compared to a road race. In the end, that virtual 10K was a treadmill distance PR, so I felt pretty badass after I'd finished (though it felt like I'd run twice the distance and twice as fast).


Finally, I get really frustrated with the monotony of it all. My body and mind need a little more stimulation than a steady pace when I'm already (essentially) not going anywhere. So, I've learned to trick my head. I run progressive intervals. Or, I vary the speed every 1/4-mile. Quite often, I do an especially fast surge in the last 1/4-mile of every mile (which makes each mile feel much shorter than it actually is). The down side is that a lot of my treadmill runs become speed drills by default, so I don't get much by means of "easy" runs. The up side is that this routine is pretty short-lived since I won't be doing many treadmill runs once this vortex vacates the premises.


Anyways, this is my reality. Milly isn't my BFF (nor ever will be), but I'm grateful to have her as an option when getting outside is just not doable. While I may experience all kinds of crazy frustration while in motion on the 'mill, most times I feel pretty accomplished when I finish. Let's not forget, I could choose to not run at all. 

Here's a few related posts:

How do you feel about treadmill running? Are you a fan? Is the 'mill a mere alternative or a last resort?

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, DeborahLisaLaura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup
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36 comments:

  1. Seven runs on Milly over the last 12 days! That would kill me!
    The boredom is just so hard to take. The only time I ran on a treadmill is in a hotel in India. I would play guessing games with the time and distance because it was the only thing to keep my mind busy other than staring at a wall.
    But you are right: it's a great option to have when the weather is a polar vortex. Spring is around the corner!

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    1. Thankfully, I don't have a wall to stare at or these runs would NOT be happening, end of story. The disadvantage, though, to a window to look out through is it becomes a mirror in the early hours (when the bulk of my 'mill runs happen). Sorry, but my reflection is only entertaining for maybe the first mile...

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  2. It's the worst when I'm gearing up to start my workout and the heat kicks on with the vent blowing directly on my head. I run the TV audio on my airpods and use subtitles. But yes it's all so, so hard and hopefully the weather will clear up soon.

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    1. Just this afternoon, the temps were sitting at a solid "0" with no wind! So, things are moving in the right direction ;-)

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  3. Our basement where the treadmill is located, is cold! I usually start with a long sleeve until I start to sweat. Then it gets warm quickly :)

    I can tell you that the treadmills are much quieter now- though I still wear bluetooth headphones to watch TV while I run so that I don't have to turn the TV up and bother Dustin, especially if he's working while I run!

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    1. We've thought of moving our treadmill down to the basement (where the elliptical and bike are), but that little alcove would really be a tight fit with all three. The room would be colder, and I'd have access to a television...but (again), it's doubtful I'd be able to hear much. Whomp whomp...

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  4. It's another alternative for me, not a last resort -- mine is even older. It's loud, but not terrible -- at least I think it's not terrible. Yes, it often feels harder.

    Having hot air blow on me would be hard! We have a raised ranch, and my treadmill is on the first floor, which is perpetually cool -- not to mention we have the back door open so Bandit can go out through the doggy door. Which is not a bad thing when you're running, obviously, although not so great when I'm done and super cold air is blowing on me (in Winter) and Bandit invariably wants to go outside (even though he can go on his own!).

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    1. The hot air is a frustration. I'd never thought of opening the door to the garage, though, or even the French door (to the front-and right-of the treadmill). Hmmm.....

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  5. Well you know I have a lot of love for Ms Milly, lol. It can definitely get boring, so that's why I like to play with inclines and speeds on the treadmill if I have to run on it for more than 20 minutes.

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    1. Seriously, I've done the one 10K, and several 5-milers, but do not know how anyone could run further. I didn't mention this, but I think the repetitious nature of the belt wears on my form and foot strike. Outside, the terrain is ever-changing, and my hips appreciate that so much more!

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  6. Haha! I don't mean to laugh but you and I have so many similarities - and our hate for Milly is one of them! Hate is such a strong word but seriously that's how I felt about Milly's Botswana cousin when she was still alive! I found it boring, incredibly hard and monotonous. I have friends who love running on the treadmill and have spoken about all the benefits. I admire them because for me it was always such a battle. But I do like the fact that Milly somewhat helped me during the lockdown. Was I sad to see her go when I finally had to toss her out? No.

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    1. I'd forgotten about Milly's Botswana cousin! So many runners love their treadmill runs (or don't mind them as much as we do), and I'm a bit jealous. My body does not like constant repetitive motion and my mind is not a fan either.

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  7. I don't know how you do it. Treadmills wreck me. I could maybe go for a mile or two, but I will feel it for days after the fact, and will be miserable during. I totally get that it's necessary if you want to run in your location, but it has to take supreme mental effort on your part.

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    1. I'm glad this cold spell is about over, because I don't think I have very many more miles in me (before my hips and feet will start protesting). I have a really long stride, and although I have never (yet!) stubbed my toes, the fear exists. My stride/foot strike always feels compromised on the 'mill, and I know that cannot be good for long-term mileage.

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  8. Everything you posted is why I suck it up and run outside as much as I can. I loathe, and I mean loathe the treadmill. My new one is really nice and quiet but still...the only advantage I see is that it is close to the bathroom.

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    1. Mine's right by our laundry room, which has an available toilet LOL Our streets (and most sidewalks) are still a safety hazard or else I'd be sucking it up outside as well.

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  9. The treadmill isn't my favorite either, but its a good option to have. I'm glad that the temperature in my basement is pretty comfortable for running. I like that it saves me some time in the morning and I can wear shorts and a tank top!

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    1. Yes, I do like the shorts and tank top feature of TM running ;-) I think I'm just burnt out because it's all I've had for the past (almost) two weeks. I'm crazy glad there's a warm-up on the way!

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  10. I don't know how you have been doing it so much lately! Can you set up a TV? Maybe they make something to cover the vent with or direct it another way? The hot air would be a killer for me. I have not turned on the heat once in my gym this winter. Good for you for getting it done

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    1. I don't know how I've been doing it either LOL Not any wall space for a TV, or any floor space for a shelf/table to place one on either. Thankfully, it's only a short-lived thing and not on-going.

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  11. I never could watch TV on the treadmill either. It just doesn't work for me. Can you do music or that's not l oud enough either ?
    Is it just that you'd rather run than elliptical/bike, or they're just as annoying as Milly at times?

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    1. I'm trying to run 3-4 times/week, so these runs are when I'd "normally" be running, it's just been too cold and dangerous outside. The elliptical and bike are nowhere as annoying as Milly, but both of those are in a different location (basement) and are quiet.

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    2. Gotcha on timing. Couldn't remember if Milly was more or less appealing than her other indoor friends.

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  12. I agree with you and only use the “Devil’s sidewalk” as a last resort, I don’t understand the few people I know who say they actually run FASTER on the tread than outside- they’re obviously crazy. I have gotten to where I kindof enjoy binging Netflix while racking up mileage and use my earbuds to drown out the monotonous sound of my feet hitting the belt of the dread mill. I also have found I much prefer to set my view to where I only see a running clock as opposed to distance, and then typically use the running clock to do some sort of speed intervals. The good news is, we have a heat wave (30+ degrees) coming this weekend!

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    1. Amen, sister!!!! I should focus more on time than distance...that might be a good distraction. I'm looking forward to the weekend, we're supposed to be in the 30's, too!!!!!

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    2. "Devil's sidewalk"... ha ha. Hadn't heard that one before!

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  13. Look on the bright side! If you ever decide to run Badwater (the 135 mile ultra through Death Valley) you'll have the perfect training setup with your treadmill right under the heat vent!
    Maybe it's almost time for Milly to retire? I can see how you wouldn't want to invest in a new treadmill since you don't like using them, but a new one might solve a couple of your problems!

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    1. I'm a die-hard summer runner (I LOVE the heat), but couple that with the treadmill and I'm
      not sold. Seven treadmill runs, in one season, is a lot for me. Seven runs, in less than two weeks time, is really insane. Over all, Milly is in decent shape, she's just not as pretty, quiet, or advanced as the more modern ones. She'll do for now, since in a couple days she may be be back in hibernation when this vortex passes.

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  14. I give you credit for so many mill runs lately! I have never been a fan of treadmill running and while I'm grateful to have the option it takes a lot to mentally psyche myself up to head to the basement for a run. The recent addition of a TV has helped to make it a little more tolerable.

    And I appreciate you saying that treadmill running feels hard - I feel the same way. I'm definitely slower on the mill too.

    Thankfully this vortex will come to an end soon!

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    1. The treadmill feels SO hard compared to street running. I think a lot of it, for me anyways, is the fact that my legs are long and I have a decently long stride by default. It always feels like my strides are shortened on the 'mill, and my form is jacked as a result.

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  15. When I had a gym membership I would watch shows on my iPad. I know a treadmill isn't everyone's favorite. I actually do not mind it. I do wished I had one now but at least I can still get out and run. I may not be running longer miles but that is oK.

    Thanks for linking up with us!

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    1. I've been trying to watch some music videos on my phone, but even Jon Bon Jovi hasn't helped my cause (much) LOL Thankfully, this is but a short "season" in terms of indoor running, and the vortex is on its way out...

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  16. Like you say, you could chose not to run at all but you are disciplined and chose to get it done. I admire that. I myself am not sure I could. I don’t own a treadmill and hope I never need one.

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    1. Thank you, Denise ;-) Having recently endured a 3ish-month running sabbatical, I'm (again) grateful to have the choice to run or not. It's not something I take for granted (and I know most runners don't either). The treadmill is not an ideal option, but it is an option. Thankfully, it's not an option I need to summon too often LOL

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  17. There is actually some solid research that shows treadmill running is harder than outdoors. I think it's because of the lack of air circulation indoors (so HR raises more) and because of the mental aspect - treadmills were used as punishment in 19th century English prisons!

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  18. My pet peeve is that I missed this opportunity to write a post about pet peeves! I have so many!!! :) I agree with you - running on a treadmill is boring. It IS better than not running at all, though!

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