The Need for Speed...Intervals

When you think of a treadmill, what comes to mind?

                                                               

But I think most people think of boredom...and that OK Go video. To alleviate some of the mundane that is the treadmill, I have been incorporating some speed intervals in my recent gym sessions. Because honestly, there is only so much T.I. and Tiny one can handle.

Today, I did 20 minutes of 1 minute at 8mph and 30 seconds at 5mph, a workout I found in a fitness magazine and figured was "easy enough" to try. Easy was in fact incorrect.

These intervals definitely help time fly by and I notice that my form is better when running faster. It is almost as if I don’t even have time to heel strike. Plus, going that fast just makes me feel awesome and like a “real” runner. However, they were anything but easy. I was more fatigued after 20 minutes than I am after 5 or 6 miles. 

Whether you are familiar with intervals or not, one thing to always focus on is your form. When you recover, it is common for people to slack and not maintain proper form because they are fatigued. Be sure to keep an eye on yourself and remember that, if you are struggling you can walk slowly or even stand. You need to be optimally recovered for your next repeat, so take advantage of the time. If you are newer to running, you can adjust your speed pace and recover at a walk rather than a slow run/jog. Whatever you adjust to, be sure you are still challenging yourself.

Do you currently do any speed interval training? If so, share your workouts. If not, or even if you do and you don’t feel like sharing (why so secretive?), let me know what "treadmill" makes you think of.

To inspire you: