Monday, September 20, 2010

Training update

Just wanted to give you all a quick update as to what I've been doing as far as running. I've successfully completed my first two weeks of training for my half. This is what I've done:

Week 1:
M - Rest
T - 3 miles
W - 3 miles
Th - Rest
F - 3 miles
Sa - Cross training workout on the eliptical (I'll tell you about it cause it kicked my a$$!)
Sun - 4 miles
Total mileage: 13

Week 2:
M - Rest
T - 3 miles
W - 4 miles
Th - Rest
F - 3 miles
Sa - Eliptical workout
Sun - 5 miles
Total mileage: 15

Yesterday, before the five mile run, I was slightly dreading it. But, as soon as my feet started moving, I was loving it and in the grove. I finished the five miles in 45 minutes and definitely could've gone a little more. I don't know what it is, but I've definitely caught the runner's bug. I do not dread the runs, I enjoy doing them each day. I'm still able to get up a few days a week before work and get to the gym, too. It's a great feeling.

Now, on to the eliptical workout.

Alright, if you don't like running and are more of an eliptical person, you have to try this workout. I got it from Jessica at How Sweet It Is. She's a certified personal trainer and also makes some delicious food. Her blog is a great mix of (mostly) healthy recipes and workouts. It's great!

Anyway, she always raves about HIIT workouts, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Basically, short outbursts of giving it all you've got and then a little bit to rest before doing it again.

This is essentially what the workout is
- 5 minute warm up (I did it at 15 incline and 7 resistence).
- Then, 20 minutes of 20 seconds high intensity (15 incline, 15 resistence, and 155-165 strides per minute) and 40 seconds of rest (15 incline, 7 resistence, 115-120 strides per minute).
- 5 minute cool down

Jessica said she only gives this workout to clients who are really in shape cause it's really difficult. I was like, "Yeah, whatever. I can run for an hour, this should be a piece of cake."

I was sorely mistaken. I couldn't even get through all 20 minutes of the repetitions. She was not messing around. The hardest part is keeping your strides that fast when the resistence is up so high. I definitely recommend the workout to someone looking for something a little different in their regular routine.

My plan is to do this workout every Saturday as a cross training workout. Hopefully I can work up to doing all 20 minutes of the reps.

Because I've been running a lot more than usual, I'm confident my weight is down a few pounds this week. I'll be back Wednesday with an update and a few picks of what's been going on in my life.

No comments:

Post a Comment