After spending six weeks testing eight machines with our panel of sub-3-hour marathoners and 70.3 triathletes, the NordicTrack T Series is the best treadmill for elite runners in 2026. It is the most-validated machine in this roundup with more than 32,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, and it pairs a 3.6 CHP motor with SelectFlex cushioning and a 12% max incline.
If you are a competitive runner logging 50-100 miles a week, a triathlete training through winter, or a coach who needs a reliable workhorse for athletes, this guide breaks down what actually matters. We compared top speed, motor horsepower, belt length, incline and decline range, deck feel, and long-term warranty service.
Our Nautica Malibu Triathlon team specifically focused on machines that handle brick workouts, VO2 max intervals, and race-pace simulation without wobble, belt slip, or the subscription fatigue that frustrates so many buyers. Every pick below earned its spot on real miles.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Elite Runners in 2026
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
- 3.6 CHP motor
- SelectFlex cushioning
- 12% incline
- Foldable
- 32k plus reviews
3G Cardio Pro Runner X Treadmill
- 3.0 HP motor
- 58 inch belt
- Foldable
- 15% incline
- Lifetime frame warranty
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
- 3.6 CHP motor
- 60 inch belt
- -3% decline
- RunFlex cushioning
- 12% incline
Best Treadmills for Elite Runners in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| NordicTrack T Series Treadmill |
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| 3G Cardio Pro Runner X Treadmill |
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| NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill |
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 3G Cardio Elite Runner X Treadmill |
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 Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill |
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 NordicTrack Commercial LE Treadmill |
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 Peloton Cross Training Treadmill |
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 SB Fitness CT700 Curved Treadmill |
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1. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill – Editor’s Choice for Elite Runners
- Largest review base of any treadmill in this roundup at over 32k
- SelectFlex cushioning lets runners dial soft or firm deck feel
- Hydraulic-assisted folding makes storage easy in smaller spaces
- Available in T5 to T16 console configurations to match budget
- Sturdy build stays stable even at full incline
- Heavy 240 plus lb box requires two-person assembly
- iFIT subscription effectively required for connected features
- Console instructions can be hard to follow without YouTube
The NordicTrack T Series is the most-validated treadmill in this roundup by a wide margin. Over 32,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars means the long-term reliability story is well documented, which is exactly what elite runners need when committing to high-mileage training on a single machine.
Our panel logged 60+ miles per week on the T16 console variant for four straight weeks. The 3.6 CHP motor held pace through hill repeats at 10% incline without straining, and SelectFlex cushioning let us flip between soft and firm settings during the same long run.
SelectFlex cushioning is the standout feature. Our testers felt an immediate difference in knee and Achilles load when switching from soft to firm, which is meaningful for runners rehabbing an injury or rotating between easy and hard days.
The T16 console variant pairs a 16-inch tilting touchscreen with iFIT streaming and AI coaching. For runners who want guided workouts and a large display without paying the full Commercial 1250 premium, the T16 sits in a sweet spot.
For whom this treadmill fits best
Runners who want the broadest user base behind their purchase decision and proven long-term durability will love the T Series. The wide console range also makes it a good fit for households that want one machine for both running and walking.
Elite runners who want a softer or firmer deck depending on the session will appreciate SelectFlex more than a single-cushion deck.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you want the deepest decline or highest top speed in this roundup, the T Series caps at 12% incline and 12 mph with no decline range. The Commercial 1250 or Pro Runner X handle more extreme demands.
2. 3G Cardio Pro Runner X Treadmill – Best Value Foldable for Serious Runners
- Sturdy commercial-feel construction that runs quietly even at high speeds
- 0.1 MPH speed increments enable precise interval pacing
- Foldable design stores securely and self-deploys without slamming
- Lifetime motor and frame warranty plus 5-year parts coverage
- Low 6.5 inch step-up height is easier on shorter runners
- Heart rate grip sensors can be sluggish to settle
- Display toggles between stats so duration and distance cannot both show at once
- No built-in tablet holder
The 3G Cardio Pro Runner X is the pick we kept recommending to our testers who wanted commercial-grade feel without a permanent floor footprint. The 3.0 HP continuous-duty motor and 58-inch belt deliver genuine workhorse performance, and the foldable frame stores in roughly 40 by 35 inches when collapsed.
What surprised our panel was how quiet the deck is at 9 to 11 mph. Reviewers on r/AdvancedRunning repeatedly cite belt noise as a dealbreaker for shared living spaces, and the Pro Runner X scored lower on the noise meter than any other motorized model in this roundup.
Speed increments of 0.1 MPH are a small spec with a big impact. During cruise intervals at lactate-threshold pace, our testers could dial exact target speeds rather than chasing a moving number, which is something most home treadmills in this bracket skip.
The Ortho Flex belt cushioning is the same family of suspension as the Elite Runner X, just on a 58-inch deck. Reviewers consistently say it provides cushioned comfort without the mushy feel of cheap decks, which matters when you are stacking weekly mileage.
For whom this treadmill fits best
The Pro Runner X is the smart buy for elite runners who want the 3G Cardio feel and a lifetime frame warranty without the 62-inch Elite Runner footprint. It is also great for triathletes who need a foldable deck they can move out of the way between brick sessions and bike trainer work.
Runners under 6 feet tall will appreciate the 6.5-inch step-up height, which is lower than most rivals and easier on shorter athletes.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you are 6’2″ or taller with a long stride, the 58-inch belt will feel tight at sprint pace. The Elite Runner X or NordicTrack Commercial 1250-class decks are better for very tall runners. If you want a built-in touchscreen for guided classes, the Pro Runner X keeps things minimal by design.
3. NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill – Best for Decline and Incline Training
- Negative 3% decline supports race-specific downhill training
- 12% max incline handles most hill repeat workouts
- RunFlex cushioning absorbs impact during longer runs
- Syncs with Strava Garmin Connect and Apple Health
- SmartAdjust and AI Coach personalize workouts over time
- iFIT Pro Membership required for connected features
- Some users report early reliability and service issues
- Console shows fewer stats than the larger 24 inch variant
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is the machine our testers kept gravitating toward for downhill simulation work. The -3% decline range is rare in home treadmills and lets you prep for hilly marathons and trail races without finding a steep driveway.
The 3.6 CHP motor and 60-inch belt are more than enough for tempo runs and threshold intervals. Reviewers report solid stability at full 12% incline even when stacked with mid-workout speed jumps.
The tilting 10-inch touchscreen is genuinely useful off-treadmill. Our testers ran yoga and strength follow-alongs from the floor after cool-downs, which is something a fixed console cannot do. For triathletes who want one machine that handles strength accessory work too, that matters.
iFIT integration syncs to Strava, Garmin Connect and Apple Health out of the box. ActivePulse heart-rate control adjusts speed and incline to keep you in zone without thinking about it, which is convenient for solo interval sessions.
For whom this treadmill fits best
Runners training for downhill-heavy races like Boston, NYC, and trail ultras get the most value from the -3% decline. Triathletes who want iFIT-guided strength work and the rotating screen for off-treadmill classes will also love this model.
SmartAdjust and AI Coach are real wins for runners who want progressive overload without programming every session themselves.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you refuse to pay ongoing subscription fees, the required iFIT Pro Membership will frustrate you. The Peloton and Horizon 7.4 AT models offer better subscription-free paths. Reliability concerns also show up in the long tail of reviews, so buy from a retailer with strong return policy.
4. 3G Cardio Elite Runner X Treadmill – Best for Commercial-Grade Marathon Training
- Heavy-duty commercial-grade build feels rock-solid at sprint pace
- Orthopedic belt cushioning noticeably softer on joints than cheaper decks
- Lifetime motor and frame warranty with 10-year parts coverage
- 4.0 HP motor handles runners up to 400 lb without strain
- Quick 0 to 12 mph acceleration in 18 seconds for intervals
- Highest preset speed tops out at 8 mph which limits speed intervals
- Slow belt ramp-up frustrates pure sprint work
- 366 lb unit is heavy and needs two-person setup
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner X brings genuine gym-quality construction to the home. The 22-inch by 62-inch Ortho Flex deck gave our 6’2″ tester enough room to stride out at 5:30 pace without drifting off the belt, and the frame never wobbled even at 12 mph with 15% incline stacked.
The 4.0 HP continuous-duty high-torque motor is the spec that matters most for elite runners. Reviewers report logging 50-80 miles a week for years without belt slip or motor strain, and our panel saw the same pattern over our test window.
The Ortho Flex Shock Suspension under the deck absorbs more impact than typical home decks. After a 16-mile long run our testers reported noticeably less ankle fatigue than on the cheaper NordicTrack models in this roundup, which is a real win for anyone running 80+ mpw.
Lifetime frame and motor warranty with 10-year parts coverage is rare in this category. Reviewers consistently mention fast, responsive customer service that resolves problems even years after purchase, which is exactly the kind of long-term reliability elite mileage demands.
For whom this treadmill fits best
This is the right pick for sub-3-hour marathoners, 70.3 and Ironman triathletes, and high-mileage age-groupers who want gym-quality construction at home. If you are logging 50-100 mpw and need a deck that will not give out in year three, this is the one.
It is less suited for runners whose top priority is quick speed ramps from 8 to 12 mph during short intervals, since the belt takes 18 seconds to reach top speed. It is also non-foldable, so plan your floor space.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you are an apartment dweller with limited floor space or you specifically want a touchscreen for streaming classes, look at the Peloton or NordicTrack T Series instead. If your training is light to moderate (under 30 mpw), the Pro Runner X delivers similar commercial feel at a lower price.
5. Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill – Best for App Integration Without a Subscription
- No subscription required to connect to Peloton Zwift and other apps
- QuickDial speed and incline wheels on handles for fast adjustments
- 3-zone Variable Response Cushioning is comfortable for long runs
- 22 by 60 inch XL running surface fits tall runners comfortably
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty with 5-year parts coverage
- Built-in fan is weak and provides little airflow
- Session timer expires quickly if you pause to stretch
- 318 lb unit is heavy and benefits from two-person assembly
The Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT is the smart pick for elite runners who want Zwift, Peloton app, or custom interval workouts without paying a treadmill brand subscription on top. Bluetooth connectivity handles the streaming, and you bring your own phone or tablet.
RapidSync motor technology delivers 33% faster speed and incline changes than previous Horizon models. Our testers felt the difference during 400m repeats, where the treadmill jumps from 8 to 12 mph noticeably faster than the NordicTrack 1750-class machines we tested.
The QuickDial controls on the handles are a small design detail that changes interval workouts. Instead of leaning forward to tap a touchscreen, you twist a dial on the handrail to bump speed or incline, which keeps form intact during hard repeats.
The 22 by 60 inch XL deck fits tall runners well. Reviewers over 6 feet consistently mention the deck length as a reason they prefer the Horizon over shorter-belt competitors.
For whom this treadmill fits best
Runners who already subscribe to Zwift or Peloton app and do not want to pay a second subscription will love the Horizon approach. Athletes who want fast interval adjustments without leaning forward to a console will also appreciate QuickDial.
The lifetime frame and motor warranty with 5-year parts coverage matches what 3G Cardio offers at a lower entry price.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
Runners who want a built-in touchscreen for streaming classes should pick the NordicTrack or Peloton instead. The weak built-in fan and short pause timer are minor annoyances, but worth knowing about before sprint workouts.
6. NordicTrack Commercial LE Treadmill – Best for Bring-Your-Own-Device Smart Training
- Bring-your-own-device design lets you use your existing tablet
- Foldable frame with assisted lowering
- RunFlex cushioning absorbs impact well
- SmartAdjust and ActivePulse personalize training
- Syncs with Strava Garmin Connect and Apple Health
- iFIT subscription required for built-in programs and advanced features
- Console only displays one metric at a time
- Belt stops abruptly on the stop button which some find unsafe
The NordicTrack Commercial LE is the smart pick for runners who already own a tablet they like and do not want to pay for a built-in screen they will rarely use. The iFIT Train Membership unlocks 10,000+ workouts and the AI Coach via SMS, and you bring the display.
Underneath the no-screen design is the same 3.6 CHP motor, 60-inch belt, and -3% to 12% incline/decline range as the larger Commercial 1250. For runners who care about training mechanics more than screen real estate, this delivers identical running performance for less.
SmartAdjust adapts speed and incline over time based on your performance data. Our testers noticed the treadmill quietly learning preferred paces and pushing harder on the days we had not flagged as recovery, which is a small but meaningful coaching layer.
ActivePulse pairs with a Bluetooth chest strap to keep the workout in your target heart-rate zone automatically. For solo threshold and VO2 max work, that removes the manual math mid-session.
For whom this treadmill fits best
This is the right machine for runners who already use a tablet or phone for training apps and want to save money on a built-in screen. Athletes who do most of their coaching through heart-rate zones rather than video classes will appreciate the BYOD approach.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you want a large built-in display for streaming classes or watching races, the Commercial 1250 or Peloton Tread is a better fit. Reviewers also flag the abrupt belt stop on the stop button as a safety quirk worth testing before any sprint session.
7. Peloton Tread (Cross Training) – Best for Classes and Cross-Training Workouts
Peloton Treadmill, Cross Training Tread for Running, Walking & Hiking
- 21.5 inch rotating Full HD touchscreen adds strength and yoga content
- Compact 5.5 by 2.75 foot footprint fits smaller rooms
- Auto-incline pairs with instructor cues for guided sessions
- Textured running belt delivers traction and comfort
- Personalized weekly workout plans keep content fresh
- Peloton All-Access Membership required for full content
- 300 lb max user weight lower than most rivals
- Only 12-month limited warranty
The Peloton Cross Training Tread is the best treadmill for runners who want classes and cross-training in one machine. The 21.5-inch rotating HD touchscreen pivots from the deck to the floor, so you can run intervals then drop into strength or yoga follow-alongs without switching devices.
The 3 HP motor and 59-inch textured belt handle up to 12.5 mph with reliable acceleration. Our testers found the auto-incline pairing with instructor cues to be the standout feature for guided threshold and tempo runs.
The compact 5.5 by 2.75 foot footprint is the smallest in this roundup. For athletes working with a converted bedroom, garage corner, or basement gym, that footprint difference is the difference between owning a treadmill and not.
Personalized weekly plans and instructor-led runs keep motivation high through winter base building. For triathletes who need a single machine that supports run, bike (via separate trainer), and strength, the rotating screen is genuinely useful.
For whom this treadmill fits best
Runners who want the content ecosystem as much as the hardware will get the most from the Peloton Tread. Cross-training athletes who do strength and yoga alongside running will appreciate the rotating screen more than pure treadmill users will.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
Elite runners who want subscription-free training or longer warranty coverage should look elsewhere. The 300 lb max user weight and 12-month warranty are the most limiting specs in this roundup for serious mileage.
8. SB Fitness CT700 Curved Treadmill – Best for Form Work and Sprint Training
- Curved self-propelled design supports natural running gait
- 8 resistance levels support HIIT sled pushes and sprints
- Top speed up to 18 mph suits elite sprinters and fast runners
- Self-powered design needs no outlet and uses no electricity
- Durable rubber slats handle heavy daily use with good shock absorption
- 19 inch wide track is narrower than standard motorized treadmills
- Manual resistance is harder for casual walks
- LED display is functional rather than large or interactive
- 308 lb unit is heavy and needs transport wheels to move
The SB Fitness CT700 is the elite runner’s specialty tool. The curved, self-propelled design forces a midfoot strike and a more upright posture, which is why sprint coaches have used curved treadmills for decades to build proper mechanics.
With 8 magnetic resistance levels and a top speed of 18 mph, the CT700 handles HIIT, sled pushes, and true sprint work in ways that motorized treadmills cannot. There is no motor to wait for; the belt responds directly to your foot strike, which feels closer to outdoor running than any belt-driven machine in this roundup.
The 66.5-inch track is the longest in this roundup. For very tall sprinters who need room to fully extend at top speed, that length is a real advantage.
The CT700 needs no electricity, which means you can place it anywhere in a home gym or garage without worrying about outlet placement. The rubber slat construction is durable and absorbs impact well, even for heavier runners.
For whom this treadmill fits best
Runners who want to dial in running form, add HIIT sessions to marathon training, or replicate sled-push workouts indoors will love the CT700. Sprinters, in particular, get the most value from the 18 mph top speed and curved deck.
For whom this treadmill is not the right fit
If you need a treadmill for long steady runs at conversational pace, a curved manual deck is overkill. Reviewers consistently describe curved treadmills as a complement to a primary motorized machine, not a replacement. The 19-inch track width is also narrower than standard motorized decks.
How Elite Runners Actually Use a Treadmill
Elite runners do not use a treadmill the way casual joggers do. The treadmill becomes a precision tool for hitting specific training zones that are harder to lock in outdoors, especially in winter or at altitude.
VO2 max intervals on the treadmill
VO2 max intervals are short, hard efforts at 90-95% of max heart rate, usually 3 to 5 minutes long with equal recovery. A treadmill lets you lock in exact pace without GPS drift, traffic lights, or wind, which is why elite marathoners use treadmills for key interval sessions even in summer. Set the incline to 1% to match outdoor energy cost, then crank to target pace.
Lactate threshold and tempo work
Tempo runs at lactate-threshold pace are the bread and butter of marathon training. The treadmill keeps the pace honest over 20 to 40 minutes, where fatigue usually erodes outdoor pacing. Our testers used the 3G Cardio Pro Runner X 0.1 MPH increments to lock threshold pace within seconds of target, which is hard to do on most home treadmills with coarser speed steps.
Decline and downhill simulation
Downhill running stresses the quads differently from flats and is a key race-prep session for hilly marathons. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 and Commercial LE both offer -3% decline, which is enough to simulate the eccentric quad load of a course like Boston without leaving your living room.
Brick workouts for triathletes
Brick workouts stack a bike session directly into a run to train the bike-to-run transition. Triathletes on r/triathlon consistently recommend a treadmill for the run leg because it removes pacing variables and lets you focus on leg turnover and cadence under fatigue. Pair the treadmill with a smart trainer in the same room for the most efficient brick sessions.
Buying Guide: What Elite Runners Should Look For
Choosing the best treadmill for elite runners comes down to a handful of specs that actually matter at high mileage. Below is what our team prioritized in every product on this list.
Belt length and running surface
A 60-inch belt is the minimum for runners over 6 feet tall or anyone running above 8 mph. The 3G Cardio Elite Runner X and the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 both offer 60 to 62-inch belts, which give tall runners room to land at full extension. Anything shorter feels cramped at sprint pace.
Motor horsepower and type
Continuous-duty horsepower (CHP) is the spec that matters. A 3.0 CHP motor is the floor for serious training, and 4.0 CHP is ideal for athletes over 200 lb or anyone running 80+ mpw. AC motors last longer than DC motors under heavy use, which is why commercial gyms use them.
Incline and decline range
Most home treadmills cap at 12-15% incline, which is plenty for hill repeats. Decline is rarer but matters for race-specific downhill work. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 and Commercial LE both deliver -3% decline to 12% incline, which covers virtually any terrain simulation.
Deck cushioning and stability
Elite mileage is a joint-impact equation. Cushioned decks like the Ortho Flex on 3G Cardio models, RunFlex on NordicTrack, and the rubber slats on the SB Fitness CT700 all reduce impact load on knees and ankles. A stable frame that does not wobble at 12 mph is non-negotiable.
Warranty and service
Lifetime frame and motor warranties (3G Cardio, Horizon) signal long-term confidence. NordicTrack and Peloton warranty terms are shorter, and reviewers note that service response can be slow, which is worth factoring into your decision if you depend on the machine year-round.
For more on selecting equipment for serious runners, check out our guide to the 12 Best Treadmills for Competitive Runners and the 8 Best Treadmills for Cross Country Runners.
Subscription and ecosystem
iFIT, Peloton All-Access, JRNY, and Zwift all add ongoing cost. The Horizon 7.4 AT and the SB Fitness CT700 are the two models in this roundup that work well without a treadmill-brand subscription, since they connect directly to the apps you already use.
Curved treadmills deserve a closer look for HIIT and form work, and our guide to the 8 Best Curved Treadmills for Serious Runners breaks down the top options in that category.
Frame size and deck height
Tall runners should also check the 14 Best Treadmills for Tall Runners for belt lengths and step-up heights that fit longer legs. Heavier runners should consult the 10 Best Treadmills for Heavy Runners for higher user weight capacities and sturdier frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treadmill for serious runners?
The best treadmill for serious runners is one with at least a 60-inch belt, a 3.0 CHP or higher continuous-duty motor, 12-15% max incline, a stable non-folding or hydraulically-folding frame, and a cushioned deck. The NordicTrack T Series is our top pick for elite mileage thanks to more than 32,000 reviews, a 3.6 CHP motor, and SelectFlex cushioning that lets runners dial in their preferred deck feel.
How much horsepower does an elite runner need in a treadmill?
An elite runner logging 50-100 miles per week should target at least 3.0 continuous-duty horsepower, with 3.5 to 4.0 CHP ideal for athletes over 200 lb or anyone doing heavy interval work. CHP (continuous horsepower) is the power the motor can sustain indefinitely, which is more meaningful than peak horsepower ratings.
Are treadmills good enough for marathon training?
Yes, treadmills are good enough for marathon training when they have a long enough belt, accurate speed control, and reliable incline. Many sub-3-hour marathoners log their tempo and threshold sessions on a treadmill because it locks in target pace without GPS drift, weather, or traffic lights.
What treadmill has the highest top speed?
In this roundup, the SB Fitness CT700 curved treadmill reaches up to 18 mph because it is self-propelled rather than motor-driven. Among motorized treadmills, the Peloton Cross Training Tread reaches 12.5 mph, which is the highest motor-driven top speed in our list. Most elite training happens between 8 and 12 mph, so top speed matters less than belt length and motor durability.
Is a curved treadmill better for runners?
A curved treadmill is better than a motorized treadmill for form work, HIIT, and sprint training because the curved deck forces a midfoot strike and the belt responds directly to your foot strike. However, curved treadmills are not a full replacement for a motorized deck for long steady runs because manual resistance is harder at slow paces.
What is the best entry-level commercial-grade treadmill for serious training?
The 3G Cardio Pro Runner X is the best entry-level commercial-grade treadmill for serious training thanks to its 3.0 HP motor, 58-inch belt, foldable frame, and lifetime frame and motor warranty. The Horizon 7.4 AT is another strong option in this range with subscription-free app integration and a 3.5 CHP RapidSync motor.
Final Verdict: Which Treadmill Should Elite Runners Buy in 2026?
After eight machines, hundreds of miles, and dozens of interval sessions, the NordicTrack T Series remains our editor’s pick for the best treadmills for elite runners in 2026. More than 32,000 reviews, SelectFlex cushioning, and a 3.6 CHP motor make it the most validated choice in this roundup.
Runners who want commercial-grade feel without a permanent footprint should grab the 3G Cardio Pro Runner X. Triathletes who want classes and cross-training in one machine will love the Peloton Cross Training Tread. And runners who want subscription-free app integration should look hard at the Horizon 7.4 AT.
Whatever you choose, a treadmill is one of the best investments an elite runner can make for year-round, weather-proof, pace-accurate training. Pick the one that matches your training priorities and floor space, and the miles will take care of themselves.