Which is a better treadmill?

Question

which of these treadmills is best? why?

I will be using it to train for a marathon if that makes any difference

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7789784

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5156102

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00624733000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00624723000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00624755000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00624766000P

http://www.workoutwarehouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_11301_12152_15601_31701?a_aid=WO1501&a_bid=8f16c2e5

http://www.workoutwarehouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_11301_12152_15549_24101

any othere good treadmills for less than $500?

Answer 1

Unfortunately I didn't view your above links. But as an experienced runner, training for a marathon should not be solely done on a treadmill. This may not be the case for you, but I just wanted to offer some advice.

Running on a treadmill is good and is not a bad thing for marathon training. But running outside is going to be your best aide in accomplishing your goal. Running inside is far different from running outside. The weather comes into play, running around corners, hardness of the ground compared to treadmill's cushioning, etc.

When I did my first marathon, i didn't run on a treadmill longer than 45 mins and I used them on my week day runs rather than my long runs on the weekend. I think running longer than an hour on a treadmill would not be a good idea. That time would be better suited for a run outside. It would also be good practice to get ready for the marathon experience.

If you do end up deciding on a treadmill, one with the ability to incline would be best. An incline will allow you build strength in your legs and get you ready for any inclines the marathon course may have.

I keep a runner's blog that usually has good tips and fun stories if you are interested. See below. Hope that helps and good luck race day.