Hope you all had a great weekend!
I thought I’d share the newest addition to my exercise regimen: endurance-based running. I’ve always wanted to be a runner, but assumed I just didn’t have what it takes. I recently realized that that attitude is completely silly, though: the only difference between me and “real runners” is years of hard work and discipline.
About 6 months ago, I traded in my elliptical habit for HIIT (high intensity interval training) running–taking the plunge despite my messed up ligaments and strangely creaky/crackly joints–but hadn’t made too much progress. With HIIT, you alternate short bursts of high speed with rest, such as walking 3.5mph. I loved how running felt, but sprinting for 30 seconds at a time wasn’t doing anything for my endurance. I realized my ultimate running goal is to be able to go on long outdoor runs, especially along trails. And for that, I really need that endurance!
So 2 weeks ago, I started (my own modified version of) “Couch to 5k,” which is a running program that pretty much takes my HIIT routine and slows it down, gradually increasing the running interval length until you’re running a 5k without breaks. It feels weird going from 9mph to 5mph, but I now know that this is what it takes: slow and steady will win the race someday.
The reason it’s modified is because I started it a little bit harder, but am going to progress more slowly. It’s 3 days a week, but I’m also lifting 3 days a week–my body isn’t recovering as quickly as I’d like yet for constantly progressing 6x/week workouts!
Once I’m able to run for longer without stopping, I’ll gradually increase the speed. And then maybe I’ll feel like a runner at last! 🙂
A few days ago, I ran outside for the first time in ages, this time at my slowed down speed. It was embarrassing, especially running by fraternities and sororities having barbecues, but I got over it. I saw sights I’d never seen before: I ran to a trail head and back, with the goal of someday being able to run along the trail itself!
Thanks for reading!
