I’m a completely different runner when I’m using a treadmill.

Let me give you some context. When I go for a run I’m the sort of runner who just leaves the house, closes the door and then runs. I very rarely do any warm-up or stretching.

Similarly, when I’ve finished running, I collapse on the chair. That’s slightly unfair, I might do the odd couple of stretches, but never more than 30 seconds.

But when I’m on the treadmill I’m completely different. Tonight was the perfect example.

Today was the first day back at school after the Christmas break, it was a teacher training day, no students in, but still a long day of listening to endless presentations. Therefore, when I got home, the thought of going for a run in the dark, cold and windy evening was just too much. So it was a treadmill run.

It went like this:

• 2 min stretching
• 3 min warm-up
• 39 min run
• 3 min cooldown
• 3 min stretching

I would never have done all the extra stuff if I was going for a run outside. I know I should, I just find it difficult to do.

Anyway, tonight’s treadmill run was 4.35 miles in total. 50 mins in the garage.

Strava Athlete Intelligence had this to say:

Treadmill run with consistent pacing across miles, maintaining a steady effort in Active Recovery zones despite slightly slower pace.

I’m not sure I’m happy with Strava’s dig at me with the ‘despite the slightly slower pace’.

The sounds tonight were from the fabulous Frank Turner.

Totals:

Runs = 6

Mileage = 23.34