When it comes to marathon prep or logging weekend mileage, many runners still turn their noses up at treadmill training. But what if a treadmill could actually enhance your long run?

We spoke to Joe Justice, Senior Product Manager (Running) at Wahoo Fitness, on the UKRunChat podcast, about how treadmill tech has advanced — and why long runs on a treadmill are more legitimate than ever.

The Myth: “You shouldn’t run far on a treadmill”

Joe addresses a common misconception head-on:

“I remember when I trained for my first half marathon on a treadmill… a personal trainer said, ‘You shouldn’t be running that far on a treadmill.’ I’ve always wondered — should I have?”

Joe’s response? An emphatic yes!

“I did a 21-mile long run on my treadmill at home, leading up to a marathon that I also did on the treadmill. So there’s no real limit. It just depends on what you’re training for.”

The advantages of treadmill long runs

Running long indoors has unique perks.

“I can put all my nutrition and extra water bottles right there with me. I’m not stashing bottles in a park or looping back to the car. I just stuff my gels under the laptop shelf strap and get ready to go.”

This level of convenience makes treadmills perfect for practicing race-day fuelling or trying out new hydration strategies.

Route simulation makes it feel real – smart treadmills nowadays even simulate outdoor GPX routes, including hills and descents.

“I uploaded a GPX of my normal park route on a rainy day and simulated it indoors. It still felt like my run.”

Want to learn how to integrate treadmill long runs into your training? Listen to the full UKRunChat podcast episode with Joe Justice.