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!
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!
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!