Weekly Running Update: Cutting back on Runs to do more circits!

in #healthlast year

I've been in the mood for circuit training of late, much more so than running, so I've cut back on the former to just two runs a week to allow myself and my body the time to do more of the former!

I'm not really sure why but I just haven't been feeling the running of late, it's just damned hard work to improve, which I was doing back in spring, but it's such a repetitive grind: fast short, track, long run, and in the back of my mind there's always a 'what's the end goal here'....

I mean when you turn 50 you're not getting any faster, and your body doesn't like those fast sessions anymore, so it's all more of a struggle.

Hence why I've been doing more slow runs, which means I don't feel knackered during the day. The difference is profound - even just 5K at 5.10 pace compared to a 4.40 pace - the later i'm tired, the former it's like I've just been for a walk!

My typical weekly profile of runs has become:

One dawdle...

Note the low heart rate, that's deliberate, I monitor it and walk occasionally to bring it down!

Screenshot_20230905_081218_Connect.jpg

On faster, but not too fast!

Around 5.1KM/ minute is comfortable, I could bash out a 4.40 but that's a little painful!

Screenshot_20230905_081114_Connect.jpg

And then add in the circuits...

ATM I'm just doing a quick 15 minute session 3-4 days a week, the plan is to make this every day, hence why it's so short, upping to 20 or more minutes on some days...

My routine so far is pretty simple...

  • squats
  • push ups
  • general movement
  • chin ups
  • Plate shoulder raises and curls
  • shadow boxing
  • abs work, various...

If I do this in the afternoon, my HR is up to the mid 120s which is reasonable I think, so there's potential for a decent effect if I up some of these to be longer going forwards.

Final thoughts...

It's good to change things up once in a while, I'm happier with this new focus, for now!

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This looks like the morning exercises in the military service.

It's good to mix it up. I still hope I can improve a little at running, but age is a factor. I just see some old guys at parkrun who are still quick, but they may have been running all their lives.

Change is as good as a rest, I'll probably be back on the running again at some point~!

That's cool! Yeah, a new focus brings effectiveness at times. So going for the circuit training is never a bad option

It sounds Like I'm alone cause I've not been doing one of these lately. I've really been busy with work. Have wonderful day