Question:
When training on treadmill is it
best to maximize the incline or
pace? Is there an optimal combination?
For example if workout is 40 minutes
@ 10 min mile pace and 5% grade,
which of the three variables (duration,
pace, incline)would be best to change?
Answer:
INcline vs. Speed depends on what
you are trying to achieve. If you
are trying to improve speed, then
doing some of it at the highest
speed (lowest incline) would
be useful. For general improvement
in cardio, LT, etc increasing the
incline/lower speed allows getting
into the higher efforts (HR) while
putting less wear and tear on the
joints. Now as for duration, again
that depends again on what you are
traing
for and trying to achieve.
Just like
running outdoors, the answers depend
on your training goals. There are
times when working against the resistance
of a hill/greater-inclined-treadmill
AND going faster for short periods
is just what you'll need to improve
your speed in the next 5K, others
times when you'll want to simulate
long, slower uphill running on the
treadmill to prepare for the challenging
late stages of a half or full marathon.
