I hate it when I feel like I'm not working hard enough. If I'm not drenched in sweat and gasping for breath I question how hard I'm pushing myself. I love being able to see the pounds roll off. This wasn't a problem for me a few weeks ago when I was just starting out on my workout routine. But lately I feel like I'm not pushing hard enough. And it annoys the hell out of me.
I'm talking specifically about this Cardio Interval training I'm doing. I'm using an iPhone app called Couch to 5k and I really enjoy it. It allows me to play my music and then queues me over the top of it when it's time to run, jog, at the halfway point, cool down, etc. Initially it had me running for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds over the course of 30 minutes. This run was beating me like a red headed stepchild. I should point out that I run on an outdoor track that is anything but flat. It's quite hilly. But I figure that's more realistic training than a nice, smooth track. The point is I would think I was damn-near dying when I finished. It was great.
But this current week of running seems so much easier to me. It's 90 seconds of running to 90 seconds of walking. I'm not sure why it's going so much more smoothly. Maybe I get into more of a running groove in that time frame. I know I don't have to start a run interval while going up a hill as often. And that's freakin' nice. I keep thinking that maybe it's just my mind playing tricks with me. Maybe I am working just as hard but the workouts feel like they go by faster. Not sweating as much could be due to myriad factors; time of day and temperature, the fact I shaved my long hair and beard off, etc. Maybe I'm just getting in better shape.
It also begs the question; At what level should I be running? Should it be a jog? A sprint? 80 percent of maximum effort? I'm not sure. I certainly don't want to "blow my wad" in the first mile. And I definitely don't want to injure myself. Perhaps I'll trying upping my speed during my run Tuesday. If you have any thoughts, tips or general advice send it my way. I appreciate all the help and encouragement!
If you're finding it easy, you can vary the C25K program. I see it as a guideline. I didn't train for my 5K like that. I just went out and ran. I tried to do C25K again with sprint intervals (like super super gnarly sprint intervals) and that was ridiculous. And, I realized I can't follow programs well. It's too rigid. You should do what you feel is good for you. I would say to work on endurance rather than speed though. It COULD be that you're getting into better shape or just breathing better. Running usually gets you into a zone and you kind of just go beyond the tiredness.
ReplyDeleteYou want to start running with jogs. At the moment you're training for distance, not speed, so sprinting is great for cardiovascular but you want to finish the distance and not burn out too quickly :)
Keep at it!
Thanks, Jess! Today I really played around with my speed a good bit. I would say first interval I went 90% (there were people running ahead of me and I decided that I WOULD pass them - going up a hill no less!), and that was a bit much. I toned it down and found a good groove at about 80% or so. I hear what you are saying about just going out and running. The intervals actually drive me a little crazy sometimes. Often I don't want to stop running. But I'll stick with this structure - at least for now.
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