February 2013

[Sweder]

A somewhat truncated session in the spring sunshine. Time, rather than anything physical, was the enemy today. A mile warm-up then a series of eight brutal 'sprints' uphill, 30 seconds eyeballs out, 30 second recoveries. The renegade hamstring kept a low profile.

I'm trying to make these midweek sessions count. That is, to avoid simply jogging miles for the hell of it by setting a specific workout target. Even the last mile was useful. I set my body upright, extending my neck, chin down to stretch my spine, focused on shortening my stride and landing mid-foot. I found I could hold 8 m/m quite comfortably. I suppose this is something like Pose running/ Chi running. Perhaps a little less refined, but the benefits are tangible. This morning I could feel my midriff wobbling as my core held me in place. I'll have to re-start the Belly Shred workouts to knock that on the head.

The only run of the week where these rules don't apply is Sunday. That's strictly a long run, time-on-your-feet hills outing. Perceived wisdoms suggests pushing the pace up for the last mile or two - race pace, in my case around 8m/m - to simulate marathon running on tired legs. I'm down with that, so long as there are no malicious twinges lurking.

   

On, on.