Long-distance runners know that a great training regimen is compromised when you are not consistent. You must get all your training sessions done to be successful on race day. A consistent training routine paired with a healthy diet, and you are sure to be your best.
One of the only sure-fire ways you can guarantee training consistency is being able to control your environment. Sure, you could try to take on the elements while training, but an hour-long session can be pretty daunting in heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat. Adding a treadmill to your distance running tools can make all the difference.
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What are the Benefits of Training on a Treadmill for Long Distance Runners?
Here are a few benefits that distance runners have when they use a treadmill to train. Reduces the impact on long runs.
Allows you to Train No Matter What the Weather Brings
Weather will always get in the way of a long-distance training session. This may not be an issue for someone who is doing a 15-minute jog, but having a 1+ hour training session in the rain, snow, or blistering heat can really impact your performance.
Extremely Convenient If You’re Busy
When you are working long hours or running around with the kids, it becomes increasingly difficult to get your training sessions in. That is where having a treadmill becomes extremely important. You can train at any time of the day. Early in the morning, late at night, or whenever you can carve out time in your schedule.
Our Top Picks for the Best Treadmills for Long-Distance Running
We chose the best options for distance runners on the market. From a great budget option for those who don’t want to spend too much to a premium option with everything you need.
Top Choice: NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
Mid-Range Option: Horizon Fitness T101
Budget Pick: Xterra Fitness TR 150
Runner-Up: Bowflex Treadmill
Editors Choice: Nautilus Treadmill
Top Choice: NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is great for beginners trying to get physically fit. The machine has 2.6 CHP (Continuous Horsepower), which is the perfect way to develop stamina for long-distance running. It has a comfortable, 20-inch wide running belt with a maximum speed of 10 mph as well as an incline up to 10%. The belt has Flex cushioning, which reduces the impact on your knees as you run.
The treadmill comes with 20 built-in workout programs, but if you want a larger workout library, you can use iFit through your smart device.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, which is pretty decent.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Cushioned track
- High incline range
- Compact and foldable design
Cons
- No wireless pulse sensor for the built-in heart rate monitor
- No cooling fan
- iFit cannot be directly connected onscreen
- Small rollers on the track are less durable
- Low warranty
- Horsepower not sufficient for long-distance runs
The NordicTrack treadmill has a 25-year warranty for the motor and only one-year coverage for parts, which isn’t great given the price point. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level treadmill for joggers and light runners but lacks the features that advanced level users may require.
Mid-Range Option: Horizon Fitness T101
The Horizon T101 is a compact treadmill designed primarily for walking and jogging so that you can build up strength. The 2.5 Horsepower is enough to sustain long-distance running, which can be a great way to develop stamina. It has some major plus points that have made this a popular model, such as a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, Bluetooth connectivity, and a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
It has a maximum speed of 10 mph and inclines up to 10%. The treadmill also includes built-in heart rate monitor pulses and comes with 30 built-in workouts, which is quite great to have.
Given the price point, the cushioning is obviously not the best, which again makes it unsuitable for running.
Pros
- Long term warranty
- 30 built-in workouts
- Bluetooth activated speakers
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Cooling fan
Cons
- Short belt
- Motor not designed for running
- Average cushioning
If you’re on the lookout for a low-cost treadmill with some decent features, the Horizon T101 is a decent option. Entry-level users will love this machine for their daily jog, as well as runners who are training for 5k’s, half-marathons, or marathons.
Budget Pick: Xterra Fitness TR 150
The Xterra Fitness TR 150 is the perfect treadmill for runners on a budget. This affordable machine is great for walking or jogging in peace. The 2.25 horsepower and maximum speed of 10mph is a pretty decent feature of the treadmill.
The machine is able to incline up to 2%, making this the perfect way to build up lower body strength and muscles. The running belt is a narrow 16 inches but tends to keep the runner focused on their workout. The XTRASoft cushioning feature of the belt is designed to reduce shock to the knees as you move; this ensures that you can run for longer periods without damaging your joints. The 12 built-in workout programs and heart rate monitor help users keep track of their workouts.
Pros
- Cushioned belt
- Long term warranty
- 12 built-in workouts
Cons
- Narrow belt
- Slightly noisy
- Low maximum weight capacity
- Low incline range
The Xterra has a lifetime warranty with one-year coverage for the frame and 90-day coverage for parts. It’s a pretty decent option for those who want to workout at home on a limited budget. The maximum weight capacity is only 250 lbs, so keep that in mind when looking at your options.
Runner-Up: Bowflex T116 Treadmill
This Bowflex T116 treadmill is designed for the people dedicated to a proper cardio workout. With connectivity to a range of fitness apps, a user-friendly LCD display, and an impressive 3.75 CHP, the Bowflex T116 is meant for running and interval training. The running belt has triple cushioning for extra comfort and large rollers.
The treadmill has a wireless heart rate monitor and Bluetooth connectivity. The screen displays a Burnout Rate to encourage you to burn more calories per minute and up the intensity of your workouts. Some bonus features include a USB charging port and accessory holders.
Some of its more impressive features include a maximum weight capacity of 375 lbs and an incline level of up to 15%.
A slight downside is that the belt is somewhat narrow – 20 inches wide. The warranty is for only 2 years.
Pros
- 3.75 HP
- Burn Rate Console
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB charging port
- 9 built-in training programs
- High weight capacity
- Triple cushioning
Cons
- Slightly narrow belt
- Average warranty
Overall, the Bowflex T116 is a pretty great choice for running at home with pretty much the only negative being the low warrant given the somewhat high price point.
Editors Choice: Nautilus T616 Treadmill
Like the Bowflex, the Nautilus T616 Treadmill is also one of the slightly higher priced options on our list. With a 3.0 CHP and large rollers, it is ideal for running. The StrikeZone Cushioning System provides added comfort as you run. This treadmill boasts a maximum speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of up to 15%.
Dual LCD screens help you keep track of your fitness stats. There are 26 built-in workouts, and the console has Bluetooth connectivity. Some bonus features include built-in speakers, accessory holders, and a cooling fan.
The maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs, which is low for the price point. The warranty isn’t praiseworthy either – 10-year coverage for the frame and 2 years for parts. The running belt is 20 inches wide, which is just okay.
Pros
- Range of workout programs across both screens
- High maximum speed
- Cushioned belt
- High incline range
- Cooling fan
- Heart rate monitor
Cons
- Low warranty
- Low weight capacity
- Complicated screen display
Overall, this treadmill has much to offer runners – decent horsepower, a well-padded track, and enough workouts to help you attain your fitness goals. While the warranty is lower than you’d expect given the price, it’s a pretty durable machine.
