Does treadmill running build mental toughness?

Let's face it, running like a crazed hamster on a wheel is NOT easy, espeically for me. I swear, I have ADD when I am on the "mill"--I am always looking around, checking the time on my heart rate monitor, glancing at my iPod and critiquing the other gym goers (especially, the singing ones).

I had friend tell me that runners who master the mind numbing boredom of running for an hour, 90 minutes, or even longer on the treadmill, are ready to take on longer races. Well, I spent 93 mins and 32 seconds on the treadmill today. I didn't think is was possible, so I played the visualization trick and made it through the first 60 mins with ease (well, sort of). I thought about all of my favorite running spots; Alki Beach, Lake Wash Blvd and the stretch of road between Wailea and Kiehi.

I wasn't planning on a treadmill run today, JM and I were going to do a 9 mile run outside, but the weather this morning was just hideous; cold, gray and rainy. So, my only option was to run on the treadmill (well, I guess I could have braved the elements, but...not my idea of fun). We are two weeks away from the Seattle Marathon, so there is no time for slacking. We have to do 10 miles outside next weekend, rain or shine....