My stationary trainer secret is playing "insert video game here" while pedalling. My best is 2 hours of gameplay/trainer time in one sitting. Granted I can't mix it up too much while doing that, but it gets the job done and get a decent workout. Still playing Tiger Woods 07 at the moment and I added my bro's old aerobars so I can lean forward for the pressure putts.

Don't try this on rollers unless you're special.

I'll agree that trainer and actual miles are two different dogs.