Training Tips – Add Variety to Your Run Routine

If you are like most runners, you follow a run routine and that you don’t typically deviate from.  There is a comfort factor in running our regular routes.  My regular route is down to the beach and out along the pier.  I run it because I love the route and the views are beautiful.  But does it provide me with enough variety that I need to improve.

The experts say “No”.  They say that instead of running regular routes, same distance and pace every time, runners should vary their training schedules.

Challenge Yourself:  Replace your regular training schedule with a variety of runs and routes.  Include a long run and some speed training into your workouts. 

Try at least one day of speed work each week.  Either go to the track and run intervals or include a tempo run.  This is where a heart rate monitor can really be a benefit.  By simply increasing your average heart rate by 5 beats per minute, you will notice the results.

Every other week, try including a long run.  Increase your distance by 2 miles from your longest previous run, then two weeks later, add another 2 miles.  You can and will be ready for that 1/2 marathon in the Spring.

Running the higher mileages is also great for burning calories.  Seems like a simple solution to those extra calories that will be consumed during the holiday season.

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