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[[File:Proform Pro 2000.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000], the treadmill I use for [[Downhill Running]].]]

Using a treadmill can be wonderful or terrible, sometimes both at the same time. You may find yourself using the treadmill out of necessity when traveling, or you may need one for dealing with adverse weather. You may even decide that like me, you can improve your training by using the treadmill for downhill running.

=Advantages of a treadmill=

* A treadmill allows you to run in a relatively comfortable environment regardless of the weather outside. This is a particular boon when there is snow and ice outside, or severe storms. In those conditions it may be impractical or dangerous to run outside.

* It is possible to use a treadmill for [[Heat Acclimation Training]], by raising the temperature in the room, or having a heater blowing directly on you.

* It's much easier to evaluate someone's [[Running Form]] when they are on the treadmill rather than outside.

=Disadvantages of a treadmill=

* One of the biggest disadvantages of a treadmill for many people is that you have to pay attention to where you are on the running belt. This prevents you from relaxing and finding [[Stillness in Motion]].

* Many people find that they have slightly different [[Running Form]] on a treadmill compared with running outside.

=Which treadmill?=

While I cannot review a wide variety of treadmills, I will share with you the treadmill I selected and the rationale I used. I was looking for a treadmill primarily for [[Downhill Running]], and I wanted the cheapest treadmill that I felt would be strong enough to withstand the training stress I would put on it. I was not interested in any of the extra features such as programmable workouts, color display, or anything else that was not core to the functioning of the treadmill. After spending an inordinate amount of time in reading reviews, I selected the [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000] based on the following thoughts:

* The weight limit for the treadmill is 350 pounds/160 Kg, which again gives me a little confidence that it will survive doing downhill runs as I only weigh 130 pounds/60 Kg.

* It is available from Amazon, a company I know and trust.

=Living with the ProForm Pro 2000=

Having lived with the [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000] for a few months, I can make a few observations.

* I've found it a solidly built and effective product. This build quality does mean that it is large and heavy, so moving it is not trivial. Amazon claims that it has a shipping weight of 300 pounds, which seems about right.

* It was just as hard to put together as everybody says, taking two of those several hours of hard work. I'd recommend looking at the assembly instructions in the [https://www.iconservice.com/CustomerService/pdfDownload.do?fileName=PFTL13011.0-321190.pdf&directory=%2fpdf%2f manual] before you buy. It's expensive to have someone put it together for you, but it may be worthwhile depending on your mechanical aptitude.

* The built-in fan works better than I expected and it provides a useful level of cooling, but under hot conditions a larger fan is worthwhile.

* There is a small shelf for tablet PC and built-in speakers that are more or less adequate.

* The treadmill will automatically stop after 100 min. of use in manual, which is annoying. I've got used to this, and I can now restart the workout before the treadmill started to slow noticeably.

=Pictures=

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|[[File:Treadmill.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| I have my treadmill in the garage due to its size, and to avoid disturbing my family early in the morning.]]

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