Review: Treadmill - Proform 415 CT

I was not compensated in any way by the manufacturer or the business I bought it from. Solely my unprofessional personal opinion.....

Most of you who follow my blog knew that I bought a treadmill not too long ago. I have done several runs on it now and thought I would let y'all know what I think about my treadmill (Proform 415 CT). I usually run at a pace that usually ranges from 5mph - 6.5mph).

Let's start with the specifications and information I was most interested in.
- Product: Proform 415 CT
- Cost: $499 (before tax)
- Length of belt: 20 x 55 quiet treadbelt
- Cushioning: ProShox Max 3

- Motor: 2.25 CHP Mach Z

It has other "fancy" stuff like a place where you can stick your iPod in, 2 cup holders, preset distance and calories buttons and it also came with the iFit stuff. I haven't used any of those bells and whistles because I am only really and truly interested in the run. So for more information, go to Sam's Club web site.

What I don't like about the treadmill?

Initial Thought: The belt width could be a little wider.
I have always used the treadmills at the gyms and so, I am used to commercial treadmills which usually have wider belts than this Proform 415 CT. It isn't like I have no room to run and am falling off to the sides. And it hasn't affected my running either. Now, almost a month into it and using this treadmill exclusively, I haven't really noticed the belt width anymore.  

Initial Thought: The treadmill can get a little loud.

It is still loud. Nothing you can do about that. The treadmill sits on a carpeted floor.

What I liked about the treadmill?

I enjoy having the one-touch button for speed and incline. Unlike the treadmills at the gym where I have to hit the up/down buttons to change the pace/incline, I can hit "6" for the speed and it will take me to 6mph pace in just one touch on the treadmill.

The stats stay on the treadmill until I removed the "safety lock" thingy off the treadmill. The treadmills at the gym automatically resets the stats but this allows me to keep my stats on the treadmill until I am ready to note down the pace/distance etc. 

Now, here are the reasons why I like having this treadmill.

I get to run in my house - any time, any day. I ran while waiting on laundry to get done, while waiting for a dish to finish cooking in the oven. I can fit in a run just before I take a shower or go to bed. It has been AWESOME to have that kind of flexibility and convenience. 

I can be totally mismatched in my running clothes and it won't even matter because no one sees me. You can have a cameltoe in your running capris and it won't matter one single bit!  In fact, I also ran in just my sports bra and bottoms and without abs like Run EMZ.

I get to open the windows in the room and have fans blowing at me. Perfect right now because I can feel the cool outside breeze on my legs. It was always stuffy and hot at the gym. But now, I have fans blow on me, at me.

Overall: Yes I like this treadmill so far. I know that some treadmill review websites will likely call this treadmill amatuerish and probably almost a piece of junk. But for the price I paid for it, I am happy with it. I hope to at least get about three or four years out of it and that will end up being just over $100 a year. This is vastly cheaper than the membership to the Y. Speaking of which, I haven't been to the Y at all in December, which means that was my last $24 down the drain...... 

Rewind 2010

The running story began on February 18, 2010.
Reason? No regular person would listen to me talk about pace, mile, fartleks, and Gu flavors.

I set sight on the Little Rock half marathon in March, ran up to about 10 miles on my long runs, and my knee acted up.

My first race of 2010 was a trail run - Kappa Delta 5K Shamrock Run. Fun but difficult.

Time=36 minutes

I set sight on the Nashville Country Music half marathon in April, but the knee was still not cooperating. 

It got too hot to run far and outside. I started a temporary relationship with the treadmill
and did at least 1 long run of 8 miles on the dreadmill. 

Too hot to race long distance. I took part in the Peach Festival 5K in Ruston, LA (the town of my alma mater). It was a fun run and I especially love the peach ice cream at the end!
Finished the run in 32:03 minutes. 

 

Picture of me, Judith, and Kelsey after the Peach Festival Race at the parade.

Then, I ran another 5K in Dumas, AR called the Ding Dong Daddy 5K.
I actually placed 2nd in AG and PRed in that race with 31:00 minutes.
(disclaimer: it was a small, small, tiny race)
 

I still wanted to do a half marathon and decided to do one on 10/10/10.
I registered for the Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Louisiana and booked hotel and everything and was ready to run this race like nobody's business. Then, my boyfriend had an accident at work and staying home to take care of him is more important than anything run. He is my family. And family sticks with family. 

The urge to run a half before the end of the year lingers.
I decided for to try for the Soaring Wings half marathon in Conway, AR.
I was having some trouble with the sciatic thingy thing on the back/hip and was worried about not even being able to run it. Thank Goodness! It didn't hurt that badly.
On race day, I adjusted my goals accordingly - from finishing it, to finishing it in 2:45 minutes, to 2:30 minutes. I completed the race feeling like a superstar in 2:31:10.

 I went shopping.
I decided to look like a hobo on any other regular day but look somewhat decent when I run.

An Asics 3050

Brooks Adrenalin 10

And I have a running jacket on its way!

Let's talk goals.

Goal #1: Do three races while I am 30.

I did 4 races (Three 5Ks and 1 half)

Goal #2: Run 1000 miles.

I made this goal in February and adjusted it to 1000 km when I was having troubles with my knee.

And today, 12/30/10, marked the day that I ran all these 1000 km.

I ran 1000 km.

I spent 117 hours and 31 minutes running.

And it was mostly quite fabulous!

Let's talk friends.

I stumbled upon Ms. M, who introduced me to Mr. R and to Mr. J.
I like my running partners.

And most importantly,
YOU!

I have made some awesome, supportive friends over this blog.
Thank you for reading my blog, for bearing with me when I whine and complain about my run, for dispensing advice when I have no idea what to do and for offering an encouraging word or two.

I probably would have a hard time sticking with this running thing if it weren't for you.

 THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Now, over a glass of bubbly,
tell me one or two or three accomplishments or memorable moment of yours!