RE: Preparing your body. May I suggest that before you get on the treadmill, you do some kind of quick warmup exercise, then stretch, then do your treadmill workout. It may save you from a muscle tear or strain, especially when it's cold and your muscles are tight. (I've found this out through painful experience). Of course, after your workout you should stretch again.
Thanks for the rep. I've told Greg several times that as much as people like to hang out and shoot the breeze there, he should open a coffee shop next door to BGF.