RUNNING / SPRINTING

Running Disclaimer: The running information presented on these pages is intended as an educational resource and is not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice. Consult your physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises described on these pages or any exercise technique or regimen, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly or have chronic or recurring medical conditions. Discontinue any exercise that causes you pain or severe discomfort and consult a medical expert.

If you are a runner who wants to improve your race time or a walker who wants to run, you can improve through the use of intervals by running for short periods at a pace significantly higher than your normal comfort zone followed by intervals of easy running or jogging. While this type of training is usually regarded as an advanced training technique for the experienced runner training to develop speed and raise their anaerobic threshold, the average runner or even walkers can benefit from this training as well.

The technique is to introduce into your normal routine some short periods of slightly higher pace for a short period such as 1 minute. Then drop your pace back below your normal pace for 2, 3, or 4 minutes. Continue these intervals during your running or walking routine and each week as your comfort level improves you can lengthen the fast pace and shorten the rest phase putting a slight extra stress on your system which will, in time, lead to an improvement in your speed, aerobic fitness, and your anaerobic threshold. These intervals are easily timed with a Gymboss timer.



LEARN TO RUN

There are all sorts of official reasons why people should exercise and you can find those in any health magazine, Web site or book, I am going to give you the "other" reasons to run. The reasons that motivate most people:

  1. Food I love food. I love to eat. I love a good meal, I love a good snack, and I love healthy food and not so healthy food. The more I run means the more I can eat.
  2. Time for You Your kids do not come running with you (usually). On the days they are driving you the craziest, you will exercise harder or longer. Even if they aren't driving you crazy, the break is wonderful.
  3. Time with Friends Run with friends to motivate each other when one of you doesn’t feel like running. The exercise is the added bonus; the visiting was our reason to get out. We often met for a run when we didn't feel like running but wanted to visit.
  4. Food Oh yeah I mentioned that one already!
  5. Looking Good Exercise helps to circulate your blood and oxygen. People who exercise always have a glow to their skin. Your hair will shine. And you will feel better about your body.
  6. Feeling Good When you look good, you will feel fabulous. It is amazing how you can run stress and problems away.
  7. Sleeping Less When you exercise and are in a routine you need less sleep so you actually have more time for things.
  8. Food...
Enjoy your Learn to Run program. It includes information, goal setting, and actual workouts. It will be geared to people who have never run before with options for those who want it a bit more advanced.

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