Like lots of runners, I’ve never really loved the treadmill. It’s something about seeing how fast I was running, and how much time I had left, that always zapped my drive to keep going.

But you know what I hate more than the treadmill? The cold. And so that’s how I found myself spending the bulk of my winter training season running indoors.

Because I’m training for Lower-Body Strength Workout for Runners, I had no choice but to put excuses aside and stick to my training plan. In the past, I used to really worry about my pace on the treadmill; once I had to slow down, the negative talk creeped in. I’d get frustrated and quit.

But a few weeks into the winter, I just stopped caring about my pace. I’d run at a speed that was slow enough where I could keep going for hours, until one Sunday, I ran for over 2 straight hours on the treadmill. Now that warm weather has returned to my neck of the woods, I laced up for my first Best New Balance Shoes The Proper Pace for Marathoners’ Long Runs years—and I attribute that to my treadmill training.

I fell back in love with the treadmill by following these three tips from the all-new Runner’s World The Proper Pace for Marathoners’ Long Runs—and I promise you can, too.

Treadmill tip #1: Go slow.

          Even if it feels like you’re going painfully slow, if it’s a speed that allows you to be running comfortably for a longer period of time, stick with it. No one can see your speed, and no one is judging you, so no need to worry. These longer, slower runs won’t just help build up your endurance—they’ll also help you build confidence and mental fortitude.

          Treadmill tip #2: Find a plan.

              Maybe you’re training for a race and already have a plan, but if not, Runner’s World Here are some of our favorites Half Marathons Are For Everyone. Like lots of runners, I’ve never really loved the walking plans, the Strength Training Guide and the 30-RW+ Membership Benefits.

              Treadmill tip #3: Find a treadmill you love.

                If you’re going to spend hours a week with your treadmill, make sure you pick one you’ll enjoy the whole time. The Runner’s World Test Team has been putting treadmills through their paces for decades, so when we review them, you can trust us. Here are some of our favorites.

                preview for Stay Warm This Winter, Run Indoors With a Runner's World Treadmill Workout
                Headshot of Aly Ellis
                Aly Ellis
                Director, Content Hype

                Aly is the Director of Content Hype at Runner’s World. She started running over a decade ago when she saw a Star Wars themed race happening at Disneyland and thought it looked like fun. Since then, she has run 8 marathons (so far!), and hundreds of shorter distance races. She is known for signing up for 5Ks in every city she travels to. She loves watching reality competition shows, playing board games with her husband and taking naps with her dog.