Cathe-? about running

[jackier]

Like you, running USED to lean me out. I could run 3miles 4x a week, take an aerobic class or 2 and that's all I had to do. (This was 12 years ago.) I've been running 5 miles 4x a week and doing a kickbox class and working out with weights. So most of the cardio was running. It was outside with some hills and about a 9min. pace. Sometimes less, sometimes a little more. It was NOT doing much to lean me out. I'm thinking I need to do running more on a treadmill to do sprints (for example 2 mins. @ 8.0, 2 mins. @ 6.0, and inclines and declines) to really crosstrain my body while I'm running. I have a hard time doing that kind of crosstraining outside. I've seen your treadmill routine and it's official, YOU'RE CRAZY!! BUT, if that's what your running routine is, by golly, I'll set my jaw and suck it up. (and drop dead!) I really enjoy running, but I'd like it to be more effective, AND I love to use it in addition to kickboxing and biking for cardio.(esp. during the summer.) So if you could pass on any tips on how you use running for crosstraining, I would be so Thanks!
Jackie

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Jackie! I don't really have a set formula of how running works for me every time. I just make sure that it is always a challenge and once I feel that my body is starting to figure it out, then I shuffle it around. If looking at my treadmill routine seemed challenging to you then that must mean I have done something that you have not tried yet. So I suggest trying it at at gradual pace though. Maybe try half of it for a week, then add five minutes to it each week until you finish it. After that you can make up your own running programs on a treadmill based on what you noticed your body responded well too. Good Luck!