Peanut Butter Fingers

Living a Life Fueled by Healthy Food and Fitness

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Who’s Who
    • All About NASM
    • Disclaimer
    • Wedding
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy + Baby #2
    • Pregnancy + Baby #3
    • Miscarriages
  • Baby
  • Shop + Favs
    • My Amazon Shop
    • Codes + Discounts
    • Books
    • Blogging
  • Travel
    • Orlando & Florida
    • Blog Travel

Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill

March 19, 2012 by Julie 103 Comments

This blog has documented my training for a small handful of half marathons. After receiving an email from a reader inquiring about training for a half marathon solely on a treadmill, I figured it might make an interesting topic for a blog post. The reader said she hates running outside because she gets bored and enjoys catching up on her favorite TV shows while she runs on her treadmill at home.

(Oddly enough, I think the number one complaint for running on a treadmill from most people is that it’s boring, but everyone is entertained in different ways!)

Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill

In August 2010, I detailed my workouts and training regimen for the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. Last year, I blogged about my training for the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon and Women’s Half Marathon in November 2011.

savannah finish

savannah rock n roll half marathon

Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill

The first half marathon I ran was back in December 2007, two years before I began blogging. What you may not know about my first half marathon is that I trained for the entire race on the treadmill.

Not once did I run outside before race day.

I completed two week-day five-mile runs on the treadmill and every Sunday I did my long run on the treadmill. (I followed Hal Higdon’s novice training plan.)

Why?

I was a new runner and was intimidated by outdoor running.

I know this probably sounds absolutely crazy to many of you, but running safely on a treadmill took a lot of the “what ifs” out of running. It made it simple, predictable and hard to mess up, which was exactly what I was looking for at the time. I didn’t have a watch to track my distance and pace and figured mapping out a route on MapMyRun.com left a lot of room for error if I went out to tackle a long run on my own since I am directionally challenged.

Now I take running very seriously…

turkey trot costumes

Can’t you tell?

Tips for Training on a Treadmill

About halfway through training for my first half marathon on the treadmill in 2007, I spoke with a trainer at my local gym in Orlando because I was worried about my training.

The man I spoke with is an amazing runner and flies all over the world working as a pacer for some big-name races. I asked him what he thought about me training for a half marathon by only running on a treadmill and I remember him saying the following:

  • It’s not ideal. Training on a surface similar to the surface you’ll be running on during the race you’re training for is the best thing you can do to properly condition your body for the race ahead.
  • It will work. Running is running. Some people think treadmills make them run slower while others think they make them run faster. If you follow your training plan and do all of your runs on the treadmill, your plan will work and you’ll be able to run a half marathon, just probably not the best half marathon you might be able to run.
  • Add a slight incline. Slightly change the incline every so often to mimic outdoor running. You don’t need to run up a hill, but keeping the treadmill between and 1.0 and a 2.0 is more realistic than having absolutely no incline at all.

I finished my treadmill training and ran the entire race in December 2007, but I was hurtin’! My first half marathon was definitely the most challenging one I’ve run yet (followed closely by the hotter-than-Hades Women’s Half Marathon this year).

Can I attribute this solely to the fact that I only trained on the treadmill?

Of course not!

Running your first half marathon teaches you a lot about training for your second half marathon. I trained for my three subsequent half marathons outside and felt much more prepared for each of those races, but I also paid more attention to proper fueling, among other things. While I personally wouldn’t train for a half marathon by running only on a treadmill again, I know many people adore treadmill running. (Janae even ran an entire marathon on a treadmill, but she’s crazy hardcore.)

So, my runner friends, what do you think?

Other posts relating to half marathon training include:

  • So You Want to Run a Half Marathon
  • My Half Marathon Training Plan
  • My Half Marathon Reflections
  • Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Playlist
  • Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Playlist

Questions of the Afternoon

  • Have you ever trained for a race by running only on a treadmill?
  • What do you think about training for a race a treadmill? Can you see both pros and cons to training this way?

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Races Tagged With: half marathon, half marathon training, running

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Goodbye, 4Runner
Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me »

Comments

  1. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    I semi-trained for my first half on a treadmill – weekday runs were done indoors and my long run was always outdoors. You’re right in that it probably wasn’t my best effort, but it worked for me. I think when i train again, I’m going to do as much outdoor running as possible though.

    Reply
  2. cheryl says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    i never ran outside before (or, really, since) doing a semi-spur-of-the-moment half. i share the email-er’s take on watching TV to pass the time.

    pacing was a challenge…it was a small race with no clocks so i had no clue how fast i was going and i did need to walk at the end (finished a maddening 2:01:57….just annoying to be SO close to under 2h).

    i also had a good bit of trouble in my calves. the race was all rolling hills and i think the DOWN actually was part of the issue since it uses different muscles

    Reply
  3. Claire @ livingspreethegoodlife.wordpress.com says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    For marathon training I follow a 40/60 rule. 40% of my runs are outside (most of my long runs) and 60% on the TM. I LOVE the treadmill so I couldn’t give it up. My longest run on the TM has been 18 miles. I got some good people watching in 🙂

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    I’m so impressed when people can do anything on the treadmill, I could never train for a half marathon. I get bored within 45 seconds!

    Reply
  5. Megan @ Fiterature says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I started on the treadmill because I, too, was REALLY intimidated by running outside. I thought everyone was starting at how pathetic and slow I was. After I got much more confident with running, I can ONLY run outside. And guess what? NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION TO ME!! Shocker.

    I prefer not to train on the treadmill because, like your trainer said, I want to be fully prepared for my run. I want to know what it will feel like to run in the cold, wind, rain, heat, etc. I don’t want any crazy surprises come race day, except maybe an unforeseen beer tent!!

    Reply
    • Candace says

      October 20, 2012 at 9:24 am

      I think the way you do! I run outside ONLY when it’s dark b/c I think everyone is watching me and thinking to themselves “she’s barely running. I could walk quicker than that!” However, I’m trying to get over this b/c I hate the treadmill and I really enjoy outside scenery AND tracking my route on Runkeeper (I’m a nerd that way 😉 . You’ve motivated me to get going again outside (when my bronchitis clears up!)

      Reply
  6. Lina says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    Some day I would love to run a half-marathon but today I’m very far away. I run 3 time a week but I run not even half what you run and theese last times it has felt even harder than it usually does. I’m never giving up but I din’t know why running gets harder every time and why it doesnät get easier?

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 19, 2012 at 5:57 pm

      running is HARD. you’re doing great by just keeping at it. i must agree with you in that running never really feels easy for me, but it does give me a great sense of accomplishment. i just try to focus on how i feel AFTER a run. 🙂

      Reply
      • Lina says

        March 21, 2012 at 3:56 pm

        This morning as I kept wanting to stop running each step I took I had your words as a mantra in my head. “focusing on how it feels afterwards”… “focusing… afterwards” etc. Yeah, it didn’t help as in it got easier but I got through it and afterwards I was mighty proud of myself. You’re such an inspiration!

        Reply
  7. Serena says

    March 19, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    I trained for my first full marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill. I had 3 children and two of them weren’t in school yet so I ran daily on the treadmill. Whenever I got outside I appreciated so much more.

    Reply
  8. Katie says

    March 19, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    I am a complete new runner and I’ve been training for a 5k and now a 10k solely on the treadmill because my neighborhood isn’t good for running. I know that once this 10k is over I will be training on the treadmill for my first half-marathon because the weather will be crazy hot. I know that for myself the treadmill is a good way to build me up to running because running has never been easy on me.

    Reply
  9. Chantal says

    March 19, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    I also trained for my first 1/2 (this February!) entirely on a treadmill! It worked out great. I’m actually one those people who actually prefers running on a treadmill than outside for a bunch of reasons:
    1) I live in a city, so it’s polluted and I don’t want to be breathing in exhaust for 50% of my run, even though I might not notice
    2) Though training on the surface you will be running on makes a lot of sense, running on a concrete is less than ideal for your joints, so the treadmill is a lot lower impact
    3) I live in Canada, so 80% of my training took place when it was way to freaking cold to run outside (I’m definitely not one of those runners…)
    4) I actually find it more entertaining to run in a gym, the energy psyches me up, and like you said, I don’t have to worry about pacing out a route, weather, safety, etc.
    So I totally recommend it!

    Reply
  10. Lauren says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    I do so much of my running on the treadmill when I’m not training for any races. Mainly because I choose to run incredibly early in the morning when its still dark out and I don’t feel totally safe running outside then. It works for me because I LOVE catching up on my DVR and just relaxing. But I do love love love when I get the chance to run outside.

    Reply
  11. Shari says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Until the last 5 years, I’ve always trained for races with a mix of indoor and outdoor running. About 5 years ago, I tore the ACL and the medial meniscus in my left knee. Once everything was repaired and properly healed, I started running again. Again a mix of indoor and outdoor running. Then I tore the medial meniscus in my right knee and had another surgery. Now I train for any race, 10K or 1/2 marathon, on a treadmill. I do add the incline and will also do some speed work. I love running outside, but the pounding is brutal on my knees so I’ll stick with the indoor thing. I have run only one 1/2 marathon since the last knee surgery about 2 years ago. Not my best time, but I did okay and wasn’t sore afterward. I guess we all have our challenges.

    Reply
  12. Becca says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    I can not run on a treadmill for more than 5 miles. Regardless of what is on TV I just lose all interest. I kind of have a love-hate relationship with running. One moment I’m really excited about it and other times I would be happy if I never had to run again.

    Reply
  13. Vivian says

    March 19, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    this might be a little off topic but hopefully you can answer – a while back I remember you said you were working on a t-shirt for your website, and was just wondering, what happened to that? I really wanted a pbfingers shirt hehe…

    Reply
  14. Angela says

    March 19, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    Hey Julie – long time lurking reader here. Just wanted to finally pop in and thank you for this post! I’ve been thinking about doing a half marathon and usually run exclusively on treadmills since my horrible allergies always kick in when I try to run outside. The fact that you trained on a treadmill for a successful half marathon is definitely encouraging though 🙂

    Reply
  15. heather says

    March 19, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    if someone really has to do their training on a treadmill alone, then i say it’s better that than not doing it at all 🙂 but, if you’re training for a particular race, i do think elements are missing on a treadmill – naturally occuring changes in surface, the elements, and def. the pounding. i get way less sore on a treadmill than i do on the asphalt. one might be in for a surprise after a few miles of impact during a race and certainly the soreness once its finished. the other thing is, figuring out hydration. on a treadmill, you can pop your water in a holder next to you. when you’re outside you have to figure out how to carry it – in your hand, in a belt, if in belt will you have the water vertical, horizontal? a backpack. doesn’t sound like a big deal, but messing around with my water does affect my rhythm and focus.

    Reply
  16. Chelsea says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:04 am

    I pretty much do all my training runs on a treadmill EXCEPT for my long runs. I’m the same way and am crazy paranoid about safety so if my boy-friend can’t ride his bike next to me while I run 11 miles + than I’m not running that far haha.

    Reply
  17. Shannon says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:02 am

    I actually do a lot of my runs on treadmills when training. In the winter, it’s cold, so that’s my excuse then. But in general, its mentally easier to just “go to the gym” then to set out to run 8 miles, etc. Plus there is always the security that you can hop off if needed, where if you run 4 miles out and need/want to stop, then you still need to come 4 miles back. Also since I mainly run alone and live in the city, it;s a bit safer to run indoors than outside, especially in the winter when it gets dark early and stays dark for later. There’s always horror stories about people who get attacked when running alone in the dark, and I definitely don’t want that to happen.

    Reply
  18. Catherine says

    March 20, 2012 at 4:15 am

    This post was really motivating for me!
    I have been in a runner’s rut recently and now I am just itching to go out for a run! Congrats on all of your running milestones!

    Reply
  19. Tara says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:23 am

    For some reason I cannot even run 1 mile on a treadmill, I get so dizzy and have to grip for my life the entire time…so props to you for running 13 miles on one!!

    Reply
  20. Emily N says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:12 am

    I am training for a full marathon now. And I mix it up a little. I like to do some shorter runs on the treadmill, it gives me a chance to play with my speed a little, and I think that will help me get faster! The furthest I have gone is 5 miles though…

    Reply
  21. Tabaitha says

    March 20, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Great topic today. Funny thing is, I’m training for my first half marathon solely on my treadmill. I have the same safey concerns, even though we live in a safe area. My husband doesn’t run because he banged them up playing basketball in high school and college. The only concern I have is the humidity. It’s humid where we live and while I’m used to it, I know it might make my running more difficult when I eventually run the half outside.Since you live in Florida, I know you deal with humidity as well, how did that effect your first half?

    Reply
  22. Christal says

    August 29, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    Im so excited I read this! Im training for the timkerbell half marathon this Jan and I have done alot fo running outside all last year with my BFF. But with warm weather and my 2 kids home during the summer outside wasnt a option, so I got a treadmill. Im about to start my training and like being out of the heat and sun, not to mention Im a bit nervice to run alone on a trail (BFF works full time now and cant run with me). I do want to do some runs here and there outside, but this makes me feel better running 70% of my training on my treadmill.

    Reply
  23. Melissa says

    June 24, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Thanks for this post. I am training for my first half marathon. I can’t keep up with schedules and I feel safer on the treadmill also.
    It’s good to know it’s possible – even if it’s not the best finish time….I just want to do it and finish it

    Reply
    • Kristina Bassuener says

      September 4, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      I’m almost done training for my half and I’ve also done it solely on the treadmill. I feel strong and feel confident since there is not much of an incline and no hills. How did yours go? Part of me won’t feel like a “real” runner till I complete this thing outside! Lol. How did yours go?

      Thanks

      Reply
  24. Laura says

    July 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Just found this post-hope it’s not too late to add. I prefer the treadmill due to major stomach issues (especially on long runs) so my anxiety level is much lower knowing I’m near a restroom. Not good for race day but it helped calm me down for some long runs. I did 9 miles on the treadmill once, with one bathroom break. It definitely was boring after a while, but I am proud I did the nine miles.

    Reply
  25. Ravi says

    July 13, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    I am 47 and started running a little more than a year. Completed a few 5 k in 32 mins, now training for my first half marathon. Been training in treadmill and outdoors, almost 50/50. Been reading a lot of blogs and all I can get from you guys. Thank you.

    Reply
  26. Sarah says

    October 15, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Shared your tips on my blog here: http://simplyfitandclean.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/what-you-might-not-know-about-training-for-a-half-marathon/ Great article!

    Reply
  27. richa says

    January 21, 2014 at 8:18 am

    Treadmill is the best choice in spring seasons which helps to workout regularly.

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      May 6, 2014 at 11:11 am

      I live where during the summer its going to be 90 degrees even at 6 am in the morning. Training on a treadmill is almost a have too. I do plan on doing some of my runs out side but for the sake of safety I need to train on a treadmill. My first half is in November and summers here are no joke.

      Reply
  28. Naomi says

    February 17, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Thanks for this! I am training for my second half but I have had 3 kids since the first one and since none of them are in school yet I got a treadmill to make running easier. I don’t mind running on it most days especially cause I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to running outside in the cold! I am planning to start doing all my long runs outside on the weekend when my hubby is home! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  29. Emily says

    September 21, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    I know this is totally random, but a the top picture in this post of you and Ryan crossing the finish line hand-in-hand popped up on my Facebook feed as a meme from a radio station! I think the caption says “This could be us… but we like pizza and netflix”

    I saw it and was like… hmmm… I think that’s from pbfingers…. and it is! Did you know they were using your picture?? https://www.facebook.com/radionow1009/photos/a.10151489850596395.1073741891.44882876394/10153167222611395/?type=1&pnref=story

    Reply
  30. RhyannonY says

    June 24, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    Thank you for this post! I am running my first half in November, but training on anything but a treadmill is going to be rough because A) It’s June in Florida and it’s hot as balls outside B) I have three girls, and they don’t make triple joggers. Thanks for letting me know that it IS possible to train on a treadmill.

    Reply
  31. Monica says

    September 25, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Love this! I am training for my first half marathon, I do all the training on a treadmill, I don’t feel safe outside at 5:00am, I am planning to start running out on Saturdays. I have one more month of training until the race. Just want to finish it with a good time. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  32. Vanessa says

    November 28, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I had a fracture that the doctors misdiagnosed as a muscle injury. It kept me out of running for 6 months( May to Oct-the nice months in Canada), and I have been slowly getting back into running. I have done about 12 runs outside, but lately our weather is all wonky. Icy, windy, a lot of freezing rain and melting and freezing. This weather makes me anxious to run outside after this injury. The last thing I need is to slip and fall and be out another 6 months.

    I have never been a fan of running on treadmills for anything but speed work. I have always been a person who only runs outside, no matter what the conditions. This injury has completely changed me though. I am set to get a treadmill in the next week here. I like what I read on the comments 60/40 ratio. 60% on tread and 40% outside. I plan to run outside when I can(especially the long run), and if the weather is crazy icy inside. The ice concerns me. Running on snow is not bad at all. The wind and cold arent too bad either. It is the ice.

    Nothing wrong with the treadmill. People only get injured because they do not rest when their body says rest, or do not listen to their body. I say run however you are able to run. Let no one judge you. Do what keeps you happy, healthy, and injury free.

    What I have read is when running on the treadmill do a 2% incline to replicate pavement, do the long run outside, and wear your camelbak/ or hydration belt, same clothes you would be wearing outside( in your current conditions). Do the same thing you do outside, on the treadmill. Train more often, because doing too little isn’t very beneficial. The less training, the less prepared. Do strength, yoga, and running. Elite runners run 150miles a week or more for a reason. That is why they are elite runners. Hard work pays off.

    Reply
  33. Hannah says

    October 14, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    I’m training for my first half marathon as we speak! I have to do most of my training in my treadmill bc Louisiana weather is SO unpredictable and honestly it’s been too hot to run outside. I also have small children. I just got a running stroller so now I think I’ll try and do my long runs outside after I drop my oldest off at school. My goal is to just NOT walk any during this race since it’s my first. I’m glad I found this blog because I was questioning whether my training on the treadmill was helping me at all

    Reply
« Older Comments

Trackbacks

  1. 8 Week Half Marathon Training Plan | Have You Hurd? says:
    April 9, 2012 at 7:30 am

    […] Tipping Point Training Plans Carrots n’ Cake Half 10-Week Half Marathon Training Plan Peanut Butter Fingers Half Marathon Training Plans Runner’s World Half Marathon Training Plan Shape Magazine’s Half Marathon Training […]

    Reply
  2. Football multitasking « Adventures in Living Lean says:
    October 1, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    […] did 20 miles on the treadmill recently, HunrgyRunnerGirl ran a treadmill marathon, and Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers trained for her first half marathon entirely on a […]

    Reply
  3. ZOOMA Half Marathon Training Plan | Peanut Butter Fingers says:
    November 27, 2012 at 10:11 am

    […] Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill […]

    Reply
  4. Treadmill Running | Racing Bananas says:
    July 16, 2013 at 10:04 am

    […] of posts on treadmill running/training that I found really helpful. Peanut Butter Fingers – training for a half marathon on the treadmill RunEmz – training for a marathon on the […]

    Reply
  5. Running Gear That Gets Me Out the Door | Peanut Butter Fingers says:
    September 18, 2013 at 9:11 am

    […] Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill […]

    Reply
  6. What You Might Not Know About Training for a Half Marathon | Simply Fit and Clean says:
    October 15, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    […] Treadmill training often gets a bad rap from distance runners.  Moving ground under  your feet is not quite the same experience as the ground moving under your feet, but developing endurance, working on form, and getting into good cardiovascular health are all vital to a runner, so if a treadmill is your best option then train away!  Peanut Butter Fingers has a good post about treadmill training for a half here. […]

    Reply
  7. What You Might Not Know About Training for a Half Marathon | says:
    October 31, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    […] Treadmill training often gets a bad rap from distance runners.  Moving ground under  your feet is not quite the same experience as the ground moving under your feet, but developing endurance, working on form, and getting into good cardiovascular health are all vital to a runner, so if a treadmill is your best option then train away!  Peanut Butter Fingers has a good post about treadmill training for a half here. […]

    Reply
  8. Half Marathon Quotes - Marathon and Half Marathon says:
    April 5, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    […] Training for a half marathon on a treadmill | peanut […]

    Reply
  9. Full File says:
    August 3, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Full File

    Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill | Peanut Butter Fingers

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
NEVER MISS A POST!
FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestBloglovin
Follow

Search

Fashion Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Items I Swear By

Kid Favorites

Shop My Baby Essentials

Quick Links

  • Favorite Posts
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Fashion
  • Pregnancy/Baby
  • Family

Recent Posts

  • Kickoff to Summer Weekend
  • 10+ High Fiber Foods for Kids
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #554
  • Week of Workouts: May 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #553

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I DO NOT post everything I eat. Though I am a certified personal trainer, the workouts I post may not be right for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.

Affiliates

Please note that affiliate links may pop up on PBF from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support!
Privacy Policy

Copyright � 2013 Peanut Butter Fingers / Julie Fagan. All Rights Reserved.
Blog Designed by SWOON CREATIVE