Ask most runners what they think about treadmills and you’ll hear one word: “Dreadmill.”
For years, treadmill running has carried a reputation as the last resort — something you suffer through only when storms roll in or it’s pitch black outside. But what if we told you that’s a complete myth?
We spoke to Joe Justice from Wahoo Fitness — a runner, coach, and product leader at Wahoo Fitness — to get the full story. And spoiler alert: treadmills might just be one of the most underused tools in your training toolbox.
Treadmills Are a Performance Lab
Joe says it best:
“Don’t think of the treadmill as a backup — think of it as a performance lab.”
Whether you’re targeting a personal best or building aerobic endurance, treadmills let you train with complete control over pace, terrain, and conditions — something the outdoors can’t always promise.
Structured Workouts Made Simple
Forget doing mental math mid-run or trying to remember which rep you’re on. With smart treadmills and apps like TrainingPeaks or Final Surge, you can upload your plan and let the treadmill guide you.
And for those short on time or with stoplight-littered routes?
“If I have a quality session and don’t want stoplights ruining it, I go indoors,”
Hills, Descents, and Race Simulation
Even if you live in a flat area, you can still prepare for a hilly race. Joe uses the KICKR Run to simulate trail races and long climbs:
“I do trail race prep and power hiking on my treadmill. You can even simulate descents — we support -3% decline.”
If you’re training for a course with net elevation loss, this matters.
Long Runs: No More Logistics Drama
Need to stash bottles in bushes or loop back to your car every 5K? Not on a treadmill.
Joe once ran a 21-mile long run indoors with all his gels and water in reach:
“I stuffed gels under the laptop strap and never had to stop. It’s incredibly convenient.”
You also avoid traffic, unpredictable weather, and you’re never more than a few steps from the bathroom.
Learn to Run Easy
Let’s be honest: most runners go too hard on easy days. On a treadmill, you can set it and forget it, running truly easy at a steady pace.
“It’s a great way to build muscle memory for your Zone 2 pace. That way you don’t burn yourself out before race day.”
Is the treadmill a backup plan? It can be.
But it’s also so much more: a tool for smarter, more consistent training.
So next time you step onto a treadmill, don’t see it as a compromise. See it as an opportunity.
