Happy Running

As an amateur runner, I always felt that for me to walk or take any form of break during my run was unacceptable, forbidden even, so I never would. Other people could walk and I would happily cheer them on, but I was much more critical of myself. You’ve heard the phrase, “No matter how slow you go, you’re lapping everyone on the couch!” (or something like that). I realize now, that I was being irrational, and it was making me hate  and even give up on something I loved – running. I’m not kidding, at one point in my life I think I truly believed that not running at all was better than taking a one minute walk break during my run.

I’ve always heard that to get faster one has to train with speed work. This concept was always miserable for me because I would alternate what I thought “speed days” should be, with regular runs when I shouldn’t have. I would run two miles as fast as I possibly could, and then be unbearably fatigued and end my run for that day, covering little distance. However, the next day, I would run seven miles with ease at a comfortable pace. The difference between these two runs? I hated every second of running the two miles and loved every second of running seven the next day! I’m not telling you to never challenge yourselves, because I think speed work is important, but – I think I was going about it all wrong.

So first of all, I promise I have a point for writing the two seemingly-unrelated previous paragraphs, and secondly, I’m not here to endorse anything.  I did, however, promise to review some things I’ve used to aid my running throughout the years, and even some things I’ve discovered recently. Just this week I found an app that’s new to me, Freeletics® Running. The app includes running workouts tailored to fit what level the user is currently running, from just hopping off the couch to road racer. So far, the running workouts that I’ve been doing on the treadmill are considered a form of HIIT, or high intensity interval training, incorporated in the form of running. Guess what? This includes walking. Walking? Yes, a HIIT running workout that includes walking. If I had to rate the app on how enjoyable the workouts are, I would give it a 10/10! It’s a great way to switch things up if you’re sort of feeling the monotony of simply running a set distance every day. I also feel that I’m finally incorporating speed work in my running the proper way! The app coaches you by continuously alternating the user from jogging to running to sprinting to walking, etc. How are my results? Well for now it’s too soon to tell, but I can promise you I’m getting in a sweaty hardcore run that I’m actually enjoying and that in itself makes me hopeful that some PR’s are in my future. After I’ve used the app for several weeks, I’ll fill you guys in on how my times are looking and how I’m feeling about the workouts. The app is currently free in the App Store for iPhone users, however this is only for the free trial. The app is currently priced at $1.99 USD, and with the current deal going on, the premium membership is $3.33 per month for up to 12 months. The premium membership is regularly $9.99 so this is approximately a 66% discount that I recommend taking advantage of! It may seem silly to some to pay monthly for an app, however this app could actually take place of a personal trainer, so it’s definitely something to think about!