The top 3 best treadmills for marathon training

Optimize your training routine.

Whether you love running inside while watching your favorite TV show or refer to your exercise equipment as the “dreadmill,” treadmills are a fact of life for many runners. Maybe you live somewhere with treacherous ice, or you work on a ship, or your schedule allows no daylight hours for running. These are all cases where a treadmill can make the difference between training for your next racing event or skipping so many sessions that race day is disappointing. 

If you’re looking for the best treadmill for marathon training, look no further. We asked a few experts for their treadmill training tips and to get their top picks in treadmills.

Treadmill training tips

One of the biggest drawbacks to treadmill training is monotony. “To avoid treadmill burnout, I’m diligent about programming speed intervals, hill repeats, tempo runs – anything to mix it up,” says Alanna Kate Derrick, running coach and personal trainer. “Upbeat playlists and streaming races help pass the time, too.”

Remember, running on a treadmill in your basement is only sort of like running a marathon. Derrick tries to make the conditions as similar as possible. 

“On long run days, I’ll gear up with the same shoes, socks, fuel belt, and hydration pack I plan to use come race day,” she said. “The more I can replicate race conditions, the less anxiety I feel. At the end of the day, pounding pavement still brings me the most joy. But the convenience of a treadmill can’t be overstated. Having the ability to fit in miles regardless of my schedule or thunderstorms gives me confidence I’ll make it to the start line healthy and prepared.”

Here’s what runners can expect from NORTIV 8’s Cloud Walk sneakers

It’s time for a test run.

NORTIV 8 advertises the Cloud Walk as an athleisure sneaker suitable for road running, dog walking, gym going, bike commuting, or just wearing around town. I tried out a pair, and here’s what I found.

First, the basics. The Cloud Walk comes in three colors for men and six for women. Most are in the black/white/gray family, except for the women’s choices of pink and mint green-pink. I requested a pair in the striking and unusual mint green-pink color option. The shoes are pink in the front and ombre their way to mint green in the back, with matching green laces.

A pair of pink and mint green running shoes.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

At the gym, my trainer said it looked like I’d stepped in bubble gum. I interpreted this as a good thing; I’m not a fan of boring workout shoes. The sneakers also feature toes and heels reinforced with metallic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film for added durability. It adds an aesthetically pleasing touch, making the toes glow like rose gold. People who avoid products with animal ingredients will be happy to know that the Cloud Walk sneakers are made from synthetic materials.

So, how do the Cloud Walk sneakers perform? The shoes manage to be pretty lightweight while remaining cushy and supportive. The midsole has more than an inch of shock absorption. They also have breathable mesh uppers and well-padded heels for those of us prone to heel striking. I took them running in the park on a rainy day, and they performed well as far as traction.

A pair of Nortiv8 Cloud Walk sneakers in black and blue.
Cloud Walk sneakers in the more restrained but still attractive black/blue combination. / Photo courtesy of Nortiv 8

NORTIV 8 describes itself as an outdoorsy brand making quality gear at a low price point. The U.S.-based company offers hiking boots, sneakers, military tactical boots, sandals, and water shoes, all at reasonable prices. At $45.99, the Cloud Walk is a lower-priced running shoe than many leading brands. For runners on a budget, NORTIV 8 is a brand to keep in mind. Plus, the company offers a student discount, making vegan-friendly running shoes even more accessible.

Nortiv 8 provided Outdoors Wire with a product sample for review.

Join spring’s cutest run at Foot Traffic’s Hop Hop Half

Hop in!

Tired of fueling yourself along the race day course with gooey little gels? At the Hop Hop Half in Camas, Washington, running nutrients come from Peeps and jellybeans. This year, the annual spring-themed race will happen on April 7.

In addition to the half marathon, runners and walkers can choose from a 10-miler, 10K, 5K, and one-miler. Once racers finish the course, mimosas, brunch snacks, and a petting zoo await. Costumes are encouraged. There will be a chance to show them off at the end while posing with the Easter bunny. The race also offers a virtual option, but that means no Easter bunny for you.

Rows of mimosas on a table.
Post-Hop Hop mimosas. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic

The Hop Hop has been going on for about 10 years now, says Sean Rivers, owner of the Pacific Northwest running store chain Foot Traffic, which organizes the Hop Hop Half. The exact number of years gets a little fuzzy, what with the race going virtual during the pandemic. Runners are happy to have this race back in person.

Bubbles in the air at the finish line of the 2023 Hop Hop Half marathon.
The 2023 finish line. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic

Why’s the Hop Hop so popular? “I think it’s just too darn cute to resist,” Rivers said. “Obviously the course is critical for any event to differentiate between other races. We’ve always found a very scenic course. The course that we use now is along the banks of Lacamas Lake and also goes through a very nice golf course and along a creek. But people don’t only do a race because of the route that it goes through. It’s about the swag, of course. Also, the post-race party is important, too. So I think we kind of hit it on all cylinders with this one.” The race caps at 1,400 participants, so it’s a boutique event.

Runners in bunny ears eating snacks in a tent after a marathon.
Brunch snacks after the 2022 Hop Hop. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic

The route starts at Camas Meadows golf course and showcases Northwest scenery. Camas is east of Vancouver, Washington, along the Columbia River, and 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon.

“I just think nothing represents spring like a petting zoo,” Rivers said. Last year’s petting zoo included donkeys, goats, a pony, and a small alpaca. “I live on a farm personally,” Rivers said. “I thought about bringing my alpacas but it’s just one more thing I have to deal with. So we brought in a separate farm that brought their stuff.”

A sign reading "Hop Hop petting zoo" in front of a petting zoo.
Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic

Foot Traffic has five retail running stores in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The brand offers running camps, group runs, race training, and youth events around Portland. It also organizes several annual races in addition to the Hop Hop. The company prides itself on having super cute shirts and finisher medals for each race.

A purple medal for the Hop Hop Half marathon.
The adorable 2024 finisher’s medal. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic

Wondering about how Peeps can fuel your run? Each of these brightly colored marshmallow treats has 28 calories. With 6 grams of sugar per Peep, snackers will meet their recommended daily value of sugar in no time. These treats are gluten-free and fat-free, but sorry, vegetarians, they contain pork-derived gelatin. Classic yellow Peeps are the most popular color, followed by blue and pink.

Rivers endorses the yellow Peeps. “There’s something about the blue. It seems a little unnatural. But the yellow somehow just feels natural, even though nothing about it is natural at all.”

If you want to indulge in some Peep eating and donkey petting during and after a race, sign up soon before the Hop Hop Half sells out.

A runner’s guide to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park

Race through the park.

The amazing recreational opportunities in West Virginia’s New River Gorge are no secret. This destination was recognized as a national river in 1978 and has long been beloved by rafters. But since becoming America’s newest national park in 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has grown even more popular.

What does this place in rural West Virginia have to offer? There are over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the rugged New River. You can hike, bike along an old railroad grade, raft, and rock climb. All the while, you’ll be marveling at the longest, deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. The park includes a variety of habitats that shelter rare and endangered animals. The Virginia big-eared bat, the Indiana bat, and the Allegheny woodrat all make their homes here. Rich human history is also evident, with rail and mining artifacts.

A river cutting through a gorge at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Running at New River Gorge

Want to go for a run through New River Gorge? The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s Active Southern West Virginia initiative is here to encourage you. Brandon Mehlinger, an avid runner and running spokesperson for Active Southern West Virginia, wants to inspire people to get active outside.

“Two of the best trails in the New River Gorge National Park for trail running are Long Point Trail and Kaymoor Miners Trail,” Mehlinger said. “Long Point trail is a 3 mile out and back that leads you out to a stunning view of the river and the bridge. Kaymoor Miners trail takes you down through the remnants of an old coal mine area. It’s a unique trail that offers a challenging 821 step staircase at the bottom of the trail and can branch off in different ways on the way back up depending on how far you’re looking to run.”

Two runners on a paved trail at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

If you like to plan your travel around race events, New River Gorge offers two big days: the six-mile New River Gorge Rim to Rim Race in May and the Bridge Day 5K in October. Both involve the stunning and much-photographed New River Gorge Bridge. Runners pass under the bridge during the Rim to Rim. 

“The Bridge Day 5K allows runners the only opportunity of the year to run on the Bridge,” Mehlinger said. “Runners get to see the park and all its glory from above and really get to visualize the scale of it all. Both races give runners unparalleled views of the park – one from below, and the other from above.”

Runners crossing over a bridge at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park during a race.
Photo by Jay Young, courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

Can’t make a race day? Drop in for one of Active Southern West Virginia’s weekly running groups in Fayetteville or Beckley to explore trails inside the New River Gorge National Park.

Originally from Connecticut, Mehlinger came to West Virginia in 2022 as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Part of his role was expanding the Kids Run Club program to more rural elementary schools. Now, he’s the program coordinator of Active Southern West Virginia and a big advocate of both community and running.

A group of runners in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia

“The New River Gorge National Park holds a unique allure for running enthusiasts, and it’s not just about the breathtaking scenery, although that’s certainly a major part of it,” he said. “What truly makes this place special for running is the heart and soul of the community that surrounds it. West Virginians are a close-knit group of individuals that take immense pride in their outdoors. The trails in the park follow century-old paths, revealing the history of timber and coal industries.”

Mehlinger urges people to get out on the trails to hike, mountain bike, or run. “It’s the people, the shared love for running, and the sense of community that make every stride in this park truly special.”

Pink flowers in the brush at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Let’s explore the benefits of running on sand

Is it worth it?

Where do you go for your daily run? If you’re like most American runners, you’re probably used to jogging down concrete sidewalks. This kind of terrain is nearly everywhere, making it an easy and popular location for runners. After all, why travel to a nearby running track when you can just pound the pavement in your neighborhood? These widespread walkways are excellent (and free!) places to workout, but there can be benefits to running on different terrain.

Find new places to run with this exploration of the benefits of running on sand. Discover what you can expect from this terrain, how it can boost your performance, and what experienced runners have to say about it.

A person from the knees down in black running shorts and running shoes running on sand.

What it’s like running on sand

When you treat yourself to a run along the beach, you’ll also be improving your stability and balance. As Sandeep Kumar, distance runner and coach, explains in a Red Bull article on running terrain, running on sand is “a very effective workout since running on loose sand creates resistance and lots of slippage. But it also catches the body off guard because of which the ankle is often in a very vulnerable state. So in the beginning, it is advisable to run closer to the water where the sand is wet and hard.”

Marathon Handbook also emphasizes how low-impact running on sand is compared to running on asphalt or concrete. This makes it a great option for runners looking to minimize stress on their joints.

“Just don’t expect to hit the same speeds you do on the streets!” Maria Andrews writes for Marathon Handbook. “As sand is so unstable, the ground underneath you is constantly slipping out from under your feet. It takes a whole lot of energy to stabilize and balance yourself on this ever-moving terrain. Although it may feel like a constant battle, running on sand will make you a stronger and more stable runner.”

5 weird pre- and post-workout drinks that some runners swear by

Fuel your run.

Every runner has their own routine. While tried-and-true training plans are a great starting place for beginners, every athlete is different and has unique methods that work best for them. This applies not only to workouts but also to the foods you choose to fuel your run.

As experienced runners probably know, there is a wide world of pre- and post-workout drinks out there. Typical components of these drinks include caffeine, creatine, electrolytes, vitamins, and protein. These beverages aim to power your runs, energize your workouts, and help you recoup afterward. Bottled brands may seem most popular when it comes to pre- and post-workout drinks, but they aren’t the only options. If you want to branch out and try wilder choices, check out this list of five weird drinks that some runners swear by.

Mom and daughter duo have adorable hand-off issue at relay race

They’re off to the races!

When you have a three-year-old, family bonding can get a little silly. On February 3, CrossFit Games athlete Emily Loogman experienced this first-hand during a relay race with her daughter Payton.

An adorable video posted on Loogman’s Instagram and TikTok shows Payton screeching and making a run for it as her mom approaches to hand off the baton. As Loogman wrote in an Instagram post after the event, the two are “gonna have to work on that baton hand off.” Even so, Loogman commented, “I think it’s safe to say she’s gonna be faster than I ever was.”

The relay race was part of a Point Loma Nazarene University alumni track meet in San Diego, California. Loogman, formerly part of the university’s track and field team, attended the meet with her daughter and husband. Watch the adorable scene unfold in the video below.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3BPLDHy92p/

Meet Bryan Poerner, the punk rock, vegan CEO of Diadora USA

See how punk rock and running collide.

Bryan Poerner, CEO of sports brand Diadora USA, spent his early career bringing two seemingly unrelated things together: punk rock and running. He grew up both a runner and a musician in the 1990s. 

“There were no runners in the punk scene,” he said. “I would go straight from my track practice to play band practice or shows. It was two different groups of friends.”

A guitar, bass player, and vocalist, Poerner founded his own independent label, Track Star Records, in high school. “In every record label, we would have a small bio of runners,” he said. “It looked like a punk flyer. It was still done in the punk aesthetic.” He always liked bringing his two worlds together. “To me, they were the two most important parts of my life.” Some of his bands’ songs are about running, such as “Steeplechase” by Hour of the Star.

Bryan Poerner, Diadora USA CEO, flashing a peace sign in a mirror as he takes a selfie outside on the street.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Poerner

The ’90s hardcore scene introduced him to topics like gay rights, feminism, and veganism. He read John Robbins’ 1987 classic “Diet for a New America,” went to see rapper and animal rights activist KRS-One, and became vegan at age 16. “I got turned on to animal rights,” he explains. “The song ‘Beef‘ from Boogie Down Productions was like…one of the first vegetarian songs. Changed my life.”

Poerner’s college track coaches were skeptical of veganism. “Back in the ’90s, even when I went to college, my coach would say, ‘Hey you should really eat meat or fish once or twice a week or you’re not going to get better.’ But he was an old-school coach. Nine months later, a year later, I set a couple of records at the school. And he changed his mind. He started asking me about food and nutrition.”

Poerner stresses that he’s not a nutritionist, but he eats a lot of whole foods like brown rice, broccoli, tofu, sweet potatoes, and beets. He also fuels his running with almonds, bagels, dried mangoes, and dried jackfruit. “Normal stuff,” he calls it. Still, he might consume gels if he’s on a long run and needs something that digests faster than a banana.

His work in the sporting goods industry began about 15 years ago. Back then, he was repping a different brand. Now, he’s leading the team at Diadora. “I got really lucky,” he said, “I got asked to be part of the rebirth of Diadora in the U.S.”

A person with their arms spread wide in front of a gravel trail near mountains and forest.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Poerner

Diadora was founded in Italy in 1948 as an artisan hiking boot brand. In the 1960s, Diadora expanded into sports, making an international name for itself by the 1980s. The brand created its heritage line in the early 2000s, blending sportswear and fashion with a little nostalgia. Diadora’s global headquarters is in Caerano di San Marco in northern Italy. Poerner is president of the North American headquarters in Philadelphia.

“We do running, tennis, soccer, and heritage. Which is like an homage to all of our sport shoes in the past,” Poerner explained. “But the primary focus of the brand is sport.”

Some of Diadora’s shoes are vegan-friendly, and the company emphasizes sustainability. “I think it’s our industry in general,” said Poerner. “A bunch of years ago it was heavy plastics and stuff. Now, there’s more proper sustainable materials. There’s a lot more leather alternatives.” 

Diadora has even used grape leaf waste from northern Italy for a product in the heritage line, which is local as well as sustainable. “The company is led by people who believe in that sort of thing. But I don’t think it’s an anomaly. I think it’s the way of the future. Everybody’s onboard. Especially in Europe.”

Now that Poerner is in his 40s, some of his old punk friends are paying more attention to their health. “And they get into running and get into all this stuff now. So it’s cool to introduce a lot of them, or be able to enjoy it with them.”

See what trail running is like at Palo Duro Canyon’s Lighthouse Trail

Explore this running trail.

Hit up the Texas Panhandle for one of the state’s coolest running trails. Located in the small Texas town of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park appeals to outdoorsy adventurers who value the iconic “rugged beauty” of rocky canyons. Known by some as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is perfect for everything from geocaching and hiking to mountain biking and trail running.

Speaking of trail running, every sporty visitor who explores this stunning landscape should know about the park’s best running trail. Also one of the best hiking trails in Texas, Lighthouse Trail offers runners a rewarding challenge. Here’s what you should know and what you can see when running the Lighthouse Trail.

Your essential running gear guide, from shoes to workout clothes

Gear up.

Take your running game to the next level. With the right gear, you can optimize your performance and make running more enjoyable. After all, running is always easier when you’re not getting blisters from bad shoes.

Still, it can be difficult to find gear that suits you. Do you need workout clothes with compression and support? Are your running shoes making you overpronate? Can’t find socks that feel comfortable? We get it. The running experience can be frustrating when you don’t have the right tools. Make it easier with this compilation of the best runner gear for all your needs.

Find everything from running shoes, workout clothes, socks, running belts, and more here.

A pair of running shoes and a pair of sneakers on a shore.

Running shoes

A pair of legs wearing black running socks and black running shoes.

Running socks

A runner in compression clothes stretching on the ground.

Workout clothes

A pair of feet in running socks and shoes.

Other running gear