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If you'd like to check how accurate your [[Treadmill]] is, here's the testing procedure. It's not as simple as some other approaches, but it provides a far more accurate result. This test evaluates the treadmill while you're running on it, so it includes any possible slowdown that occurs well your foot is in contact with the belt. I developed this procedure one more while testing the [[Stryd]] Footpod. I'd found that their Footpod is stunningly accurate outside, but seemed to be way off on the treadmill. The folks at Stryd investigated reports from various runners about problems on the treadmill, and they found that many treadmills vary in speed, slowing down when the runner is in contact with the belt. This is in addition to any other calibration problems a treadmill might have.
=Equipment=
Besides the treadmill, you'll need a camera capable of recording high speed video, sometimes referred to as "Slo-Mo video". An iPhone 6 or 7 works well, though there are other options. You'll need to place markers at regular intervals along the belt. I used round sticky labels from Amazon that are intended to be [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DE571AO color coding dots]. You need to measure the distance between the labels, and I used a standard steel rule. I put my phone on a tripod, though you could ask a friend to take the video for you instead.
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=Calculations=
The calculation of pace is fairly simple, and I used Excel. If your timings very vary from sample to sample, then you need to average the amountthem out. In my testing, I got exactly the same time for each samplewhich made things easier. I calculated the number of inches per second the belt was moving at by dividing the distance (12 inches) by the time (0.112 seconds), giving me 107 inches/second. This is then converted to miles/hour by dividing by 17.26, giving me 6.087 MPH. Sadly, my treadmill was set to 87.0 MPH, so it's a long way off!