How long should I run on a treadmill to increase my stamina and endurance?

Question

Is there any foods I should eat to because I drink protein shakes everyday

Answer 1

I totally disagree with the previous 2 answerers.

I train for marathon on treadmill, and I think treadmill is a wonderful method to train for stamina and endurance.  While treadmill is a bit artificial in training, it allows a runner to establish the running pace at a very controlled environment, thereby making one a better runner.  You can set the speed, incline, and duration based on how you feel, and you can easily change the setting with a touch of your finger.  Besides, treadmill is much more gentler on the joints and legs than running outside.

If you were to train on treadmill, you have to run at least 20-30 minutes.  When you do runing, it takes at least 10 minutes for your body to warm up and get used to the speed, so the longer you run, the more stmina and endurance you can build.  I usually run at least 1 hour on treadmill for regular maintainance, 1 hours and 15-30 minutes for longer runs, and up to 2 hours on treadmill for my pre-marathon long runs.  

As for food, you can do gentle carb load with some crackers or juice before you run, then drink sports drink during your longer runs.  I don't do protein shakes - not a believer in that.  It is better to have small meal before running than afterwards, so eat something before you run so you can burn off the food.

Good luck

Answer 2

ok so from my personal experience, stamina is gained more efficiently from running outside

the treadmill (and sidewalks and other hard surfaces) is hard on your legs and you are going to have to try too hard

im saying that running about 2-3 miles in the weekday and a longer run on saturday ---- on the canal or other soft surfaces

is a lot better thing to do considering the much lower chance of injury

Answer 3

Well I wouldn't use a treadmill to do endurance running.......unless it would be under 30 minutes.  It gets so boring running stationary like that for a long period of time, I personally would rather do it outside.  Unlike the other said most treadmills esp. the ones at fitness clubs are very soft to run on.  Use the treadmill to work on finding a steady comfortable pace and work on being efficient running wise.  Then when you do go run outside it will be much easier you'll find.  Hope this helped.