Running machine

[Kiss2020]

Please can anyone give me some advice about running machines - I have no idea how they work and have never been on one. I’m running 5k in around 30 minutes outside just now, but know that won’t be so attractive in the dark/wind/rain 😊. I’d like to keep up running about three times a week through the winter and would keep a running machine in the garage. Any recommendations gratefully received. Thank you! 😁

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I've just started looking at running machines myself. But more because I'm not happy about running outside in covid.

Reebok machines seem to get a good write up.

But recommendations are that you shouldn't keep then in a garage. The moisture gets into the parts of the machine and significantly reduce its like expectancy.

However, if it wasn't for covid, I'd be telling you to try running on a dark, rainy night / early morning. You just might find that you like it

Mig

[Kiss2020 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Thank you Mig - I'll think about keeping it inside if I get one Not so keen on the outside running in the dark because we're in the middle of nowhere with single trak roads and 60+ mph winds! However, I do like running in the rain, and maybe I could run at lunch times too, so not a lost cause for outside running yet!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Kiss2020]

Understood! I wouldn't like to run in the dark there either.

Running in the rain though... Great isnt it

My favourite time to run

Mig

[nowster Graduate in reply to Kiss2020]

60+mph winds? North of Scotland?

There was one evening when I was staying above Scalloway on Shetland when I thought I'd have a short walk to the end of the lane to clear my mind. I got about three steps from the door, clasping to a handrail, and at that point decided that being outside in a force 10 was probably not a sensible move.

[Kiss2020 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Good guess Nowster, 60 degrees north and just coming into the season of 60 mph winds 😝 There will be days I’ll have to accept I just cannot run outside 😁

[nowster Graduate in reply to Kiss2020]

It's a lovely place to be at midsummer with the Summer Dim, but less so in January with just a few hours of daylight.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

I used to have Reebok IRun machines but they didn’t seem to last long, the two I had, the motors burned out and I know someone else who had same problem so maybe avoid those. I found running on a treadmill or dread mill as some call them, very boring, I’d prefer a well lit route outside if possible.

[Roxdog Graduate]

I bought a treadmill just before lockdown and hardly used it, so it has been sold! I'm going to brave the elements! Also I'll buy trail shoes!

[Chris--B Graduate]

We bought a Reebok GT40 in January and my wife used if to do the C25K. She prefers running indoors out of site but I prefer street running. The main difference I found was you consciously need to change the speed on the treadmill where outside you just adjust automatically without thinking. I only used it a couple of times and once I got to a comfortable speed kept it there until i slowed down (gradually until walk speed). However once i had finished I felt a bit wobbly where as I never had that outside.

The only issue is that we have an engineer coming out tomorrow because it sounds like a bearing has gone, it has only been used about 30 times (1/2 hour per session) so hoping it is going to last.

There are lots of programs on it that vary the speed and incline over the time set but we have never used them. The heart monitor is rubbish as it takes ages to work out your hr where as my Fitbit is instant. The incline is good and does make a surprising difference. The built in speaks for connecting to your phone are not really loud enough. I would not bother with the 'added' features when choosing one if you do decide to get one.

[Kiss2020 Graduate in reply to Chris--B]

Thank you Chris, sounds like they’re not at all straightforward, whereas at least running outside is!