Using a treadmill to train for a marathon

Hitting the pavement is the best way to train for a marathon, but can you train for a marathon indoors? 

Runner's World Magazine offers 5 things you can do indoors to train for a marathon.

1.  Do it to train for the course.  The magazine says you should try to get your workout to simulate the race you will run.  "For instance, say you know there's a killer hill two-thirds of the way into a 10-K you've entered. Hit that "up" incline button at the same point in your treadmill run, and get used to the feeling."

2.  Mix up your workout.  Don't run on the same incline. During part of your workout, you should run on a flat surface, but increase the incline so that you work different muscles.

3.  Do it to get faster.  Treadmills help because you can only slow down when the speed of the treadmill slows down.  Use the treadmill to keep you at an even pace for your race.

4.  Do it to lock in your pace.  The magazine says that novice runners run either too slow or too fast.  A treadmill can help regulate a target pace.

5. Do it to design your own terrain.  The magazine suggests controlling the grade of the hill.  Flattening the hill out helps your muscles recover mid-workout.

For more tips and to read the complete article, click here .