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My Journey from 5km to my first 5 Marathons
On my 61st birthday in May 2023, I did my first 5km fun run. I continued on from that short run to doing my first half-marathon in November of that year. After several half-marathons in the first half of 2024, I did my first full marathon in Ormoc City in June. For me, that was exhilarating, as I never thought I could achieve that, especially after I had passed the big 60.
In January 2025, I did my second marathon in Cebu (Cebu City Marathon). That was an amazing experience running from seaside to downtown, back to seaside, then over the famous CCLEX bridge to Mactan Island, and back again. I then followed up with two more later that year, in August, three weeks apart (Maasin City Marathon & Bohol International Marathon), both at 63 years old.
In January 2026, I went back to Cebu and completed the Cebu City Marathon for the second time.
During that time, my wife and daughter followed me into the world of running. Eden has completed 2 half-marathons, with my daughter running several 5km to 12km races. Our NordicTrack T6.5S has proved invaluable on days we are unable to get out due to weather or schedules. You can read the full review below, plus two videos.
Three years with our NordicTrack & 5 Marathons Later
We purchased the NordicTrack T 6.5 S in March 2023. I had just started running at that time, and I needed to be able to continue training when it was too hot outside. Scroll down this page to check out the 10 best-selling treadmills (updated twice daily with discounts in the green boxes).
Pros
- Value for money
- Up to 10 miles per hour and 10 degrees gradient
- Full-size treadmill – 20″ x 53″ (510mm x 1350mm) running area – KeyFlex cushioning
- Folds upwards and uses air struts when unfolding. Castors on the front end
- Simple but easy-to-understand built-in programs, even with iFit turned off
- Sturdy build – 210lb (95kg)
Cons
- It is huge, with a footprint of almost 72″ x 36″
- Very Heavy, just like a commercial treadmill – 210lb (95kg)
- Small screen compared to some of the other options available
Using a treadmill whilst training for a Marathon?
When training for your first marathon, there is really no substitute for running on the road. You will typically need to do one long run each week. You will need to gradually increase the distance of these runs weekly up to about 32-35km (20-22 miles) at two or three weeks before race day. You may then taper down to 12km (7.5 miles) 7 days before race day.
Along with these, once a week, long runs, you should try to do 2 or 3 short runs in between. These short runs can indeed be done on the treadmill. With busy schedules, the weather too hot or too cold, it can be more convenient to hop on the treadmill than to go out for a run on the road or track. Scroll to my video review of the NordicTrack T6.5S, soon after we purchased it in 2023. If you have ordered it without assembly, I made another video during the assembly with step by step instructions.
This video was my original review, soon after we purchased it in 2023. In it, I show how to turn off iFit. I had only just begun running at that time.
My wife, Eden, helped me assemble the treadmill, and I made a full video of the process. It took over an hour to complete. By assembling the unit yourself, you can save approximately $150 or more.
Our NordicTrack Treadmill: Conclusion
All three of us use the treadmill, so it has proved to be an invaluable tool in our family. I personally like to let my mind wander (daydream) when running on the road or treadmill. However, the girls love to listen to music through their headsets, or watch TV.
The NordicTrack T series now has a cheaper model called the T 5, as well as several models with bigger screens. Check the links above
Running Shoe Mistakes
The first pair of running shoes I purchased were Adidas Ultraboost 21. I started off doing long walks followed by run-walk sessions. The shoes themselves were very stable but a bit on the heavy side. In July 2023, I purchased a pair of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 shoes. These were the complete opposite. They were extremely light and had carbon rods in the soles, but those soles were worn out after just over 320km (200 miles). They were also very unstable, and I hurt my ankle a few times while wearing them. I guess purchasing these shoes was my first big mistake.
When I started training for my first full marathon, I got myself a pair of Adidas Adizero Boston 12. They also had carbon rods in the soles, but they were much more stable. I used them in my first two marathons, and I covered a distance of 880km (550 miles) with them. They did, however, cause me to get injured 3 times, possibly due to their lack of comfort. I also rotated them with a pair of Adizero EVO SLs. They only lasted 300km (185 miles), so that was the end of that.
As I was still getting recurring injuries in my ankles, I decided to get something that was softer but also stable. I chose Adidas Supernova Prima 2, as I had two upcoming marathons in August 2025, and a third the following January. Although they had initial wear issues, I still completed all three, taking my total to 5 marathons. The Prima 2 has covered 550km (342 miles).
Having used Adidas shoes from the very beginning, I decided to try a different brand. After researching different shoes that gave both comfort and stability, I chose Asics Superblast 2. I have been using them for a few months now without issue. They are indeed very stable and comfortable.
10 Best Selling Treadmills on Amazon (auto updating)
- 【16% Treadmill with Incline】This incline treadmill features a 3-level incline system (0%-10%-16%) to simulate uphill training at home. Increase…
- 【Up to 7.5 MPH Treadmill-Walking, Jogging & Running】 With speeds up to 7.5 MPH, this foldable treadmill supports walking, jogging, and light…
- 【Preset Programs & Pause Function-Smart Home Workouts】Featuring 12 built-in training programmes and 3 automatic modes, each tailored to different…
- [Personalized AI Coaching] – Interact with iFIT AI Coach via SMS for personalized guidance and insights to help you achieve your fitness goals. AI…
- [Sync with Fitness Apps] – Connect your treadmill to Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health to sync your heart rate, distance, and calories burned across…
- [Google Maps Workouts] – Create map‑based routes using Google Maps with terrain simulation and Street View for an immersive running or walking…
- Quiet 2.25 HP motor
- Large 16″ x 50” walking/running surface
- Easy-to-read 5” LCD display
- 【Folding Treadmill with Handle Bar】This foldable walking pads functions as a traditional treadmill with handle bar, a foldable walking pad, and an…
- 【Powerful and Quiet Motor】This portable treadmills for home and office runs smoothly and quietly, suitable for home and office use. The folding…
- 【LED Display & Remote Control】This folding walking pad features a clear LED screen showing time, speed, calories, and distance in real time…
- [5″ LCD Display & Device Shelf] – See your live workout stats on the clear 5” LCD display or use your own device to follow iFIT trainers and…
- [0-10 MPH] – Run, jog, or walk at speeds of up to 10 MPH. Perfect for home workouts, cardio training, and endurance building.
- [0-10% Incline] – Boost calorie burn and target more muscle groups with a 0–10% incline range.
- MAXIMIZE CALORIE BURN AT HOME: This treadmill with incline features a manual incline system to simulate uphill climbing and increase workout…
- PERFECT FOR SMALL APARTMENTS: The compact foldable design with built-in transport wheels easily folds flat to save valuable floor space; measures just…
- WORKOUT WITHOUT DISTURBING OTHERS: Powered by a 3.0HP quiet brushless motor that delivers smooth power while keeping noise levels below 50 dB…
- 15% Manual Incline : This incline treadmill offers a 15% elevation range specifically designed to intensify your walking or running sessions. As a…
- Supportive Handles & Knee-Friendly Running Surface : Equipped with sturdy handles for balance and safety, this treadmill with handles ensures…
- Space-Saving Foldable Design : Designed for small spaces, this foldable treadmill stores easily under a bed or in a closet. Its compact build…
- Motor & Speed Range – This walking pad features a powerful motor with a speed range of 0.6-4.0 mph
- Suitable for Light Walking – Intended for light walking and everyday movement during work or daily routines
- LED Display for Basic Tracking – The integrated LED display shows basic information such as speed, time, distance, and calories for reference
- 【12% Manual Incline Boosts Burn】Take your workouts to the next level with up to 12% incline—that’s a 45% increase in calorie burn! Manual…
- 【0.6-6.2mph Running Jogging Machine】Our treadmill offers a speed range from 0.6 to 6.2mph, catering to your fitness needs. Seamlessly transition…
- 【5-Layer Shock Absorption System Walking Pad】Engineered for compact home fitness, this portable small treadmill delivers 38″x15″ anti-slip running…
- 25% Automatic Incline : Equipped with a 0–25% electric automatic incline system, it precisely adjusts training intensity, realistically simulating…
- 3.5HP Brushless Motor : Uses a 3.5HP high-performance brushless motor, providing strong and stable power, quieter operation, and a longer lifespan…
- Professional-Grade Speed - 10MPH : The speed range covers walking, jogging, and high-speed sprinting, with a smooth and responsive output up to…
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases
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