If you are a marathon racer or fitness enthusiast, chances you are in the market for a treadmill that will help you train for your next race.
However, with so many different models on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best treadmills for marathon training and provide information on what to consider when making your purchase.
Happy running!
Best Treadmill For Marathon Training: Top 10 Options
Like any other fitness equipment, treadmills are available in hundreds of varieties. And here begins the complexity of finding out the best that would fit your exact needs.
Here, I will talk about 10 treadmills that can work like a beast and be your most effective training tool for your upcoming marathon race. So, let’s have a look at those without wasting any time…
1. NordicTrack Commercial 2950
Nordictrack 2950 treadmill comes equipped with a 4.25 CHP motor, making it perfect for full and half marathon runners looking to train for long distances or perform interval training and hardcore sprints.
Plus, its speed level can reach up to 12 mph – perfect for anyone looking to push themselves. And if that’s not enough, the incline and decline level on this machine can go all the way up to -3% and +15%, respectively.
So whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just starting, the Nordictrack 2950 is sure to help you achieve your fitness goals.
What’s even better, it has a sturdy steel frame, is noticeably quiet when in use, and features a large workout area. The tread belt is also made of high-quality materials and comes with runner flex cushioning to drastically reduce any impact on your body joints.
Plus, if you want to feel like you’re running outdoors, you can turn the cushioning off! The Nordictrack 2950 also comes with a 22” touchscreen display that has Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple fans, and is foldable.
It’s 2.5” roller reduces the belt’s chance of wearing and tearing, while the wireless chest strap helps to read your heart rate easily. Also, the 300lb weight capacity is an excellent thing for big guys.
The amazing iFit program helps the treadmill to mimic speed and decline to copy different types of landscape, making your workouts more fun and engaging. However, assembly requires more than one person and the price mark is not affordable for everyone. But overall, this treadmill is superb and a good buy.
Pros
- Fine quality, less impactful, and durable tread belt
- Amazing weight capacity
- Powerful motor and tread speed
- 22’’ touchscreen and Wi-Fi
Cons
- Price is much high for many users
2. Sole F80 Treadmill
If you’re looking for a treadmill that can help you power through your full and half marathon training, look no further than the Sole F80. With its powerful 3.5 CHP motor and cushion flex whisper deck, this treadmill is designed to minimize noise and impact on your body, making it perfect for long-distance runners.
Plus, the gigantic deck can accommodate even the tallest runners, while the folding options make storage a breeze. The sole F80 treadmill has a steel bar at the bottom, using that you can easily fold it. Also, the width of the tread belt is pretty good and provides enough space for the user.
Reinforced with a durable steel frame, the Sole F80 treadmill is perfect for any runner looking to get an edge on their workout. With a maximum incline of +15%, this machine will help you burn calories and tone muscles faster than ever before.
Plus, the included wireless heart monitoring system takes your training to the next level by tracking your pulse in real-time. You can keep your tablet safe and sound while you work up a sweat with the attached tablet holder.
Furthermore, the runner weight limit is 375lbs which is good. You can take a read of time, speed level, overall calorie burned, incline level, and the heart rate from the 7’’ LCD screen with ease.
I found two lacking in this treadmill. One is that there is no touch screen system and another one is the absence of any decline option. Apart from that, this treadmill is a good value for money.
Pros
- Motor power is impressive and highly supportive
- The tread belt is enough wide and smooth
- Easy Assist folding tech is given
- Weight capacity is mind-blowing
- The durability of the frame and deck is high
Cons
- No options for the decline
3. NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill
NordicTrack T 9.5 S is the perfect treadmill for runners. Its 3.6 HP motor allows you to achieve speeds of up to 12 mph, making it perfect for HIIT workouts or endurance runs.
Using it you can run at an incline level of 12% which is extremely helpful for your half marathon training. Plus, the folding option makes it easy to store when not in use, and the smooth running surface ensures a comfortable workout.
Moreover, a 14’’ HD touchscreen helps to navigate and increase workout engagement. You will also get a free trial membership of the iFit which is very helpful to optimize your overall training. It also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
The deck of this treadmill has a cushion that’s low impact. It provides great safety for your body by reducing the stress from stride. In addition to that, you can take the road-like experience on NordicTrack T 9.5 S. The tread belt is tough and won’t easily get worn out like another tread belt.
Furthermore, it has a self-cooling system to protect it from overheating. When it comes to weight capability, it’s also standard and can take up to 300lbs. One of the unique features is that it has 50 built-in exercise programs for you.
Let’s have a look at the negative sides of this treadmill. The first one is, the deck size is smaller and the second one is the treadmill is not that sturdy. However, it would be good for your marathon training.
Pros
- Powerful motor and high range speed
- The folding option is butter smooth
- Huge touch screen for multiple uses
- Good incline range and high user weight capacity
- Low impact cushion deck
Cons
- Deck size is smaller than competitor
4. The ADVENOR Motorized Treadmill
The ADVENOR Motorized Treadmill is a great option for people who want to participate in an upcoming marathon and want to prepare for it by working out inside their homes.
This treadmill is built with a very powerful 3.0 HP but the silent motor that helps the user to do versatile high-intensity exercise and long run. It can generate tread belt speed up to 14km/h without producing any noise.
Moreover, the self-cooling motor helps you to run for a long time like a marathon. You will also get 3 manual incline levels to run according to your preference. It also has a built-in LCD screen but that’s not standard at all.
When it comes to shock-absorbing levels, ADVENOR works great. It can cut a large percentage of impact during the run because of the cushion system. Also, the deck has good thickness and the size is really large.
Furthermore, this striking treadmill has another great feature for you and that is its built-in 64 training programs. Also, a 5’’ monitor is added with it. You can read necessary data like time, total running km, pulse, etc.
Plus, this ADVENOR treadmill offers you a soft drop system that safely lowers the running deck. A pair of good-quality transportation wheels are added. The weight limit of this treadmill is quite low compared to others. And if you weigh more than 220lbs, then it’s not for you, unfortunately!
However, looking at both the good and bad sides, it’s a good purchase.
Pros
- Powerful motor allows high-level training
- Self-cooling motor assist for longer run
- The belt size is quite big and reduces impact a lot
- Soft drop system and easy to move
- Built-in 64 programs for user
Cons
- LCD is a very normal grade
- The weight limit is not up to the mark
5. XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Treadmill
The XTERRA treadmill would be a terrific choice for those people who will very soon compete in a marathon race and have plans to do their training inside their homes. This unit is cheap compared to its built quality.
An excellent quality motor with 3. O CHP will make your overall marathon training journey smooth and noiseless. This powerful motor will ensure you can perform very long sessions running at a time.
There’s a small flywheel attached which makes a smooth rolling of the front roller. It has a user weight limit of up to 350 lbs and that’s due to the heavily welded steel frame.
Plus, the stability is impressive as the front and rear foot base has large size rubber padding. You will be able to move this treadmill smoothly without extra effort.
Moreover, the running deck of this amazing running machine is quite big. The shock absorption level is impressive. Which will keep you safe from any unwanted joint injury. For your convenience, a tablet holder, fan, and towel bar are given with it.
Furthermore, it has a Bluetooth system and the top speed level is 12mph. XTERRA TRX3500 can incline up to 12%, helping you to take the feel of a hilly surface.
No instrument comes perfectly so does this one too. I noticed two problems with it. One is that there is no heart rate chest strap attached with it. The second one is that the cooling fan is kind of useless. Apart from that, the XTERRA treadmill is an ultra choice for marathon runners.
Pros
- Cheap price but powerful & silent motor
- Sturdy steel frame and high weight ability
- Stability is high plus shock absorption belt
- Excellent incline level with a smooth ride
- Easy to move and has a tablet holder
Cons
- Heart chest trap is not there
- Cooling fan quality is foul
6. 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill is an expensive commercial-grade treadmill that will meet the needs of a marathon racer. You can perform an incline of 15% using this machine.
It comes with an upgraded suspension system called Ortho Flex Shock which will give you enough cushion during the run. You will also notice that the tread belt of 3G Cardio is thick and provides a higher level of comfort.
Plus the motor of the 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill is immensely powerful with a backup of 4.0 HP. So, you just need to get on the treadmill and keep running like a marathon race for a long time. In addition to that, it has a high acceleration rate that will help you greatly to do a HIIT workout.
When it comes to weight-bearing capacity this is just too good. 3G Cardio Elite Runner has the highest level of 400lbs ability. The built quality of the steel frame is unparalleled among its competitors. It simply doesn’t shake during training.
Moreover, you will find several pre-setting programs. And also you will have to make a custom workout to defeat your boredom.
Furthermore, the treadmill running area is pretty wide and long. That makes it a taller user-friendly treadmill. A wireless heart rate monitor is attached for reading your heart rate.
Besides the good part, it has 2 major weak points compared to its price. The first one is that no touchscreen system is present and the other one is less online connectivity. Despite that, if you buy this treadmill your money will be worth it.
Pros
- The motor has an immense level of power
- Built-in the superb sturdy and high-level weight capacity
- Tread belt run smooth and noiseless
- Deck has a terrific level of shock-absorbing system
- User friendly for tall people
Cons
- The LCD monitor is poor and has no touchscreen
- Not beneficial for online activity
7. ECHANFIT Treadmills for Home
Getting yourself in the best shape before a half marathon needs a lot of effort and a great treadmill that can help you to get there. ECHANFIT treadmill is one of them.
The very first thing this treadmill unit has is a deck that’s layered with cushioning that reduces shocks generated from the strides.
Plus, this treadmill has a folding system for easy storage. Also, the soft drop system increases overall safety. The user weight limitation is quite low which is a huge disadvantage for this treadmill.
Moreover, the high-performance motor with 2.5 HP allows you to run at a high speed of 8.5 mph. Which is a very big advantage for a half marathon racer. Running and jogging for a long time would create no heating issue on the motor as it has a self-cooling feature.
Furthermore, the width of the ECHANFIT treadmill is 16.5’’ which is standard. It’s best suitable for people whose height is less than 6feet. The user weight limit of this unit is 220 pounds. When it comes to incline function it’s going to make you a bit upset!
Also, the large LCD helps the user to see all the training-related data like total time, current speed, distance coverage, etc. You can track your heart rate with the thump pulse sensor. A safety insert is attached to increase stability during a run.
Overall, ECHANFIT treadmill is a good deal for lightweight to medium-weight runners!
Pros
- The motor is quite powerful and self-cooling
- The Tread deck is fast, comfortable, and wide
- Folding system with soft drop safety
- Stability is good for the run
Cons
- Low user weight range
- Limitations of incline
8. OMA treadmill 5925CAI
OMA treadmill 5925CAI is a high-performance treadmill for half marathon runners. The assembling process of this unit is easy.
Though this treadmill comes with a 3.0 HP high-power motor, it remains quiet during the run. Not only that, you can run for a very long time and it will provide adequate support.
Also, you will be able to increase your running pace up to 11.2 mph with an incline of 15%. The treadmill deck is pretty large and has 6 shock absorption cushions to provide comfort. In addition to that, the build quality of OMA 5925 CAI is sturdy with a runner weight limit of 300lbs.
Plus, users have access to use fitness apps such as Zswift, Kinomap, etc. It also has a Bluetooth connection system in it.
Moreover, the 7’’ LCD will help you to get the running-related info easily. A safety key is attached to stop immediately if you feel overtired. The folding system is smooth and easy. You can fold it using the quick knob and transport it to another room to save space in your room.
Furthermore, to increase your overall performance plus bring variation you will get a total of 43 programs with it and 3 different modes.
With these premium features, OMA 5295CAI has lackings too. One is that the calorie reading is not precise. The second one is that the Bluetooth connection is a bit complex.
However, looking at the price tag, this is an outstanding buy for your half marathon training.
Pros
- The motor can provide high-speed
- The tread belt is wide and ultra-shock-absorbing
- Assembling, folding, and transporting is easy
- Sturdily built with a high user-weight capacity
Cons
- Calorie reading does not show properly
- Bluetooth connection is not smooth
9. Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA treadmill is a powerful treadmill with a 2.5 HP motor that will help you to meet your required pace for half marathon and full marathon training. Due to the powerful motor backup, you can run for a long hour.
This high-quality treadmill can provide the highest pace of 8mph for users. The durability of this is quite good and can support runners up to 220lbs. An emergency stop clip comes with it to ensure your safety during workout time.
Plus, the ASUNA 8730 treadmill is quite sturdy. The shock absorption ability of this treadmill is first-class. So you can expect the least amount of impact on your body.
Moreover, using the folding tool, it’s pretty simple to fold this running machine. The running deck of this treadmill is a bit compact. The transport wheels help to move it anywhere inside your house easily.
In addition to that, the floor stability of the ASUNA 8730 treadmill keeps the treadmill stable while the user runs. A LED-based console is attached where you can see and track all the relevant data like total steps, calorie burned, workout duration and current speed, etc.
Furthermore, for the entertainment purpose of the user, a tablet mount and a speaker system are included in the treadmill.
As a whole package, this unit has 2 shortcomings. The first one is that it has no pulse reading system and the other one is the absence of an incline function. Despite that, ASUNA 8730 can be a great addition to your arsenal.
Pros
- Powerful motor provides high speed and long-run ability
- The tread belt is wide and ultra-shock-absorbing
- Folding options and portability are impressive
- Shock absorption tread with high-speed
Cons
- No function for incline
- Pulse reading is absent
10. Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Treadmill SF-T7603
Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Treadmill SF-T7603 is a sturdy running machine with a powerful motor of 2.2 HP. The powerful motor will ensure the user can run for hours while giving them comfort through the smooth and quiet session.
In addition to that, you can select your incline level from the 3 manual incline levels to get the feel of a high-terrain run. The tread belt has a high pace of 9 mph due to the high-quality motor. The shock absorption deck is comfier for the runner.
For your safety, an emergency stop clip is fixed with it. You can effortlessly fold it and the soft drop system includes more safety in the overall feature. The transportation wheels of this Sunny SF-T7603 help you to move it after a training session.
Moreover, you can track data like running speed, total running time, overall distance coverage, calorie-burning level, and pulse rate on the digital monitor. One of the best things about the Sunny SF-T7603 is that it’s really easy to assemble the treadmill.
Furthermore, it has a bottle holder to meet your thirst during training. The maximum user weight of Sunny SF-T7603 is 220 lbs. You will also get 9 built-in programs with it.
Two weak points might make you a bit upset. One of the problems is that it is not user-friendly for heavy-weight runners. Another problem is that the incline system is not automatic which is a bit painful.
However, the price mark defeats these flaws and makes it a great choice for lightweight to midweight level users.
Pros
- High power motor generates high pace
- Folding option with soft drop safety
- Its comfy treadmill deck keeps your joints stress-free
- Portability is impressive
Cons
- Manual incline system
- Not user-friendly for heavy users
How to Pick the Best Treadmill for Marathon Training? [Buying Guide]
You need good quality treadmills when you’re about to train for a marathon. Just any run-of-the-mill treadmill’s not gonna cut it. That’s why you have to be vigilant when you’re buying a treadmill. Try to look for the following:
Powerful Motor
Treadmills with a powerful motor can sustain faster speeds compared to the cheaper ones available in the market.
If you’re looking forward to doing high-intensity workouts, then this feature is necessary for you. For marathon purposes, a range of 2.5-3 HP is fine.
Adjustable Incline
Treadmills that let you adjust the incline manually or automatically will be beneficial for your training. This helps to tweak the intensity of your workouts and increase endurance which is essential for marathon participants.
High Top Speeds
Treadmills with top speeds of around 12-15 mph are highly recommended because these are the best for marathon training. Because when you run at a high intensity you can tone up both lung capacity and leg muscles. Which will provide support during the long run of a marathon.
Sturdy Footprint
Treadmills that have a sturdy footprint to handle you running on it at higher speeds are important, especially when you’re putting in all of your efforts into sprints or hill climbing exercises.
Advanced Deck Cushioning
Unlike regular walkers, marathon racers are in need to select treadmills that can offer good protection for their body joints.
A properly cushioned deck keeps the injury level probability low compared to outdoor training.
The durability of Tread Belts
Tread belts that are made up of higher-quality materials are more durable compared to regular ones.
If you’re looking forward to buying a treadmill with a durable tread belt, then make sure it features good shock absorption capacity and has thickness too.
Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
Always choose the one which comes with a built-in wireless heart rate monitoring system or you can also use a chest strap heart monitor with it.
This feature will allow you to keep an eye on your heart rate during workout sessions which helps in getting better results.
Power Incline
Some treadmills let you adjust the incline by increasing the power. This is an excellent feature if you’re looking forward to running on mixed surfaces like road, beach, or dirt trails. It can also help in creating different levels of physical stress for your body.
Weight capacity
The heavier the person who uses a treadmill, the greater must be its weight capacity. The weight capacity of good treadmills is around 300 lbs and these can accommodate many people easily without any issues.
Storage and portability
Treadmills with smaller builds are more portable and can be easily stored. This makes it easy to move around the house without taking too much space.
So, always make it a point to select small-sized treadmills if you’re looking forward to buying one for your home. In fact, I have selected a few great under-bed treadmills that are small in size so you can easily store them.
Warranties
If you’re looking for treadmills with strong warranties, then ensure they are covered by a lifetime warranty against defects. This is an excellent feature to look at if you want your machine to be durable and reliable in the long run.
Safety
It’s highly important to select treadmills that come with safety features like an emergency stop button, handrails, etc. These will help keep the user protected from any kind of injury during workout sessions.
Certification
Always look for treadmill brands that are certified by some renowned organizations because these tend to be more efficient and reliable.
Built-in programs
Although, buying a machine with many built-in programs can cost more these machines tend to be very effective. Plus, they come with music-playing features that allow you to enjoy your workouts without getting bored.
LCD Monitor
A good treadmill must come with a high-quality LCD. This will make it easier for you to track your progress and it also allows you to set different workout goals as well.
While you are going to purchase your treadmill for marathon training you should look for the features that I have aforementioned. Because anything missing from that would make your user experience a bit down which you don’t want after spending hundreds of dollars.
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Effective Tips for Marathon Training on the Treadmill
The marathon is one of the most grueling events anyone can participate in. It’s a long way and there are no shortcuts to getting ready for it.
One thing that will help you prepare for this event is to train on a treadmill – which is an excellent way to simulate the conditions of running outdoors. Here are some tips on what you should do when training on a treadmill:
Warming up yourself first
It is always suggested that you start your training session with a nice 10-minute warm-up to get your body prepared for the exercise. In case if you feel like you need to engage both the upper and lower body then an elliptical treadmill combo works great too.
Alternate your workout
2 to 2.5 hours at a moderate pace of running is required for marathon training. So run on the treadmill instead of running outside if you have a treadmill at home. The reason is running on a treadmill is more effective than running outside because you will not run too fast or fast enough to cause yourself any injury.
Training program
To go for marathons you require a lot of endurance, so running on a treadmill is good as it helps one to build endurance, running on a treadmill is also helpful in strengthening your lower body parts like hips and thighs. It’s awesome for your cardiovascular fitness level too.
You can also do Interval training. Running at an interval of 4 minutes and walking for one and half a minute, can be done on the treadmill too. It is very helpful in cardio as it makes your heart beat faster and also helps you clear out all the toxins from your body.
Running on a different motion and incline
When you add more variation in your running it will engage those small muscles that are often ignored by the runners. So to keep them functional it’s best to activate them by running on different motions and inclines
Running on incline
Raise the incline grade of your treadmill to 10%. Running uphill is good for cardiovascular training. This is very helpful in controlling your heart rate and also helps you to strengthen your legs.
Running backward
Running on a treadmill in the opposite direction is very helpful for the knees as it makes them look flexible.
Keep your eyes up
Keep your eyes up and look straight to maintain good posture, this will make you more efficient. Because whenever you look below you will automatically hunch over which can generate pain in your neck & back muscles. Not only that you might become dizzy just by looking down and up frequently.
Lean back
Keep your upper body in a leaning position instead of standing upright, by doing so you will be able to convert the force from your feet into running momentum.
Run naturally
Keep your strides checked and make sure you are running maintaining your natural gait. In case you find out that your running form is not correct plus the run doesn’t feel like your natural running then it’s better to reduce the speed. Get used to natural running form and natural gait then you can boost up your pace.
Hands off the handrail
If you are running on treadmill hands off the handrail. Keeping your hands on the rail will make you feel comfortable, but it also makes you feel lazy to move around, which eventually will limit your leg movements and hamper your pace of running.
Work on stride count
In a single minute the greater number of steps you can take means you are becoming an ultra-level runner. A higher stride count means you are putting less pressure on your lower body parts like hips and the knee joints etc. You can easily track the total stride count by counting one foot’s total landing number.
The following video will be helpful…
Things to avoid during & before marathon training
.Are you a marathon runner? Are you getting ready for your next marathon? If so, make sure to avoid these treadmill mistakes during and before your training!
Following the proper guidelines will help ensure successful marathon training and prevent any injuries. So what are the things not to do on the treadmill during & before marathon training? Keep reading to find out!
Avoid wearing the wrong pair of shoes
You might be tempted to break in a new pair of shoes during your marathon training, but don’t do it on the treadmill. Plus, you need the extra stability and cushioning that your regular running shoes provide. However, if you have any foot-related problem such as plantar fasciitis, you must wear a plantar fasciitis shoe for running. For picking an ideal pair of shoes, you can see my in-depth review regarding the best Nike shoe for plantar fasciitis.
Wear something too tight or too loose
Both can lead to chafing and irritation during your workout. Stick to snug-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement.
Don’t get distracted
Use the treadmill as an opportunity to catch up on work – If you’re using the treadmill for your marathon training, it’s because you need to focus on your running and not let anything else distract you. Put away the laptop and phone and focus on your workout.
Don’t train barefoot
You might be tempted to go barefoot to get the feel of what running on the road is like, but treadmills don’t have anywhere near the traction that paving surfaces do. You can easily slip and fall if you’re not wearing shoes.
But as you are going to train for a long time running like a marathon it would be best to wear an appropriate running shoe. Let me elaborate on the reason behind this.
- Treadmill belts are not very smooth. Rather the texture of it is coarse. Which assists to provide enough grip to the outsole of your shoes. If you run barefoot for a few minutes on your treadmill, you will end up having blisters within a short time.
- After a short running session, your foot will start to sweat, and not wearing shoes will make your bottom feet very slippery which can lead to loss of grip. As a result, you might stumble at any moment during the training.
- You will not be going to participate in the competition barefoot so it’s a must to simulate the real marathon run at the most possible level.
Don’t over-train
Too much training can create complexity that you don’t want before heading towards a marathon race. A mild level of soreness, and body aches is normal after a workout. So give your body enough time to make a recovery.
Don’t follow only one routine
When you go outside for marathon training, usually you will pass through different types of terrain and your speed varies too. So try to do the same thing on your treadmill by mimicking the incline level and the pace level.
Don’t swing during practice
Marathon racers’ running form is a bit different than the sprinters and mid-range runners. They never swing their arm during the run, rather they keep their arms relaxed plus maintain their arm by bending parallel to their side of the body.
By doing this, they can hold and conserve a good amount of energy and don’t get out of breath and fatigue easily. So you should follow the same technique.
Don’t drink too much water
It sounds ridiculous to say this, but lots of people run into problems because they drink too much water before and during their runs. You can end up with a condition called hyponatremia, which can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Stick to the recommended eight ounces of water an hour before your workout, plus another six to 10 ounces about 20 minutes before you head out the door.
No heavy meal before working out
As we said before, you don’t want anything sitting in your stomach to weigh you down during your workout. A light snack before training is fine, but keep it light.
Benefits of Running on a Treadmill for Marathon Training
Though many runners find treadmill running extremely monotonous and boring it has its benefits. So here I will talk about some of the benefits of it.
While treadmill running has a rep for being tedious and boring, it has its place. Here are a few of the benefits of treadmill running:
- It’s not dependent on the weather conditions. Until the power supply is okay you can run on the treadmill. In harsh weather, it’s not possible to train outside.
- As treadmill decks now are mostly advanced and they have a cushioning system that absorbs a large portion of shock which reduces unnecessary stress on your body.
- Plus you can change the pace of your run by setting any program, so you can try to break your limits, after all, they’re meant to be broken.
Post-training recovery: Getting the balance right between rest and training
There is no chance to underestimate when it comes to recovery after marathon training. If you don’t focus on taking proper rest and nutritious food the fatigue will catch you in no time. Which will ultimately put you at risk of muscle soreness even sometimes injury.
Mix your intense training with some off days
As a marathon race requires high endurance so going to train hard every single day does not match with the practical marathon scenario.
By gapping for one or two full days of rest you can continue to train for the full marathon and half marathon. The fluctuation of intensity will react much better in the real marathon race.
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Proper sleep plays one of the major roles in regular life and when it comes to marathon races you must sleep for at least 8-10 hours of quality sleep. Stay away from mobile phones at bedtime and keep the light and temperature low to fall asleep quickly.
Mental recovery days are just as important
For a marathon, alongside physical fitness, you need mental balance. Because it’s not a small challenge; you’ll be running for multiple hours on many different terrains and your legs will feel the brunt of it. Often you’ll feel like giving up, but it is those who grit their teeth and push themselves manage to finish it.
This is why you also need to have mental fortitude. Have adequate rest for a whole week so you can keep your head relaxed.
Because when you are mentally burned out it would become tough for you to hit your goal. So use it as a booster before the actual race.
Half Marathon vs. Full Marathon
Based on three categories I will show you below the difference between half marathon and full marathon.
- Distance
Distance is one of the major factors that make a half-marathon different from a full marathon. A half marathon is 13.1 miles and a full marathon is 26.2.
2. Training Pattern
Experts recommend that for a half marathon, it’s optimum that you make your plan to run for 12 miles. If you are a new runner for a half marathon then simply make your body adaptable to running long distances. A 13-14 miles run is suggested by the experts.
While for a full marathon, some experts recommend running 20 miles. But that’s not for a pure run, rather it is to push the limit of mental strength, fight to fatigue level, and stomach handling.
3. Using fat for extra power
Another major difference is, half marathon training usually doesn’t need you to run based on your fat metabolism.
On the contrary, in the case of full marathon training, you have to run for some extra hours, and then you have to burn up some of the reserved body fat to keep yourself going the extra mile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run a half marathon on a treadmill?
Yes, you can do a half marathon by running on a treadmill. A custom setup program is required for that.
Is 10 mph on a treadmill fast?
A 10 mph treadmill is equivalent to the pace of a brisk. Or in other words to run per mile for 6 minutes.
What is a good incline for a treadmill?
When you will be going for a run on the treadmill follow the recommended level. Experts recommend a 1-2% incline that can simulate an outdoor run.
Do professional runners use treadmills for marathons?
Yes, elite-level runners use the more sophisticated gadget for their running exercises. They use anti-gravity treadmills to boost their performance.
Do marathon runners run the whole time during training?
It varies from one runner to another. And, they don’t run all the time; rather they build themselves for key races while on training. They do take off from training by gapping 2-3 days and in the case of long relax it can be a week too. Some runners won’t continue the gap for more than 4-5 days.
Final Words
If you’re planning to go for a marathon event very soon and need a perfect treadmill for yourself then you should have seen how many of them I mentioned above All of them are good but have a few lackings too, this is why you need to find out the best treadmill for marathon training through lots of nitpicking.
Each has different qualities that can make people buy their product over others, making it hard for you. That’s why I did was just shortlisted a few treadmills that I think are the most suitable for marathon training.
So after reading this article, I expect that you might be able to choose the right one that fits your needs.