I’ve been being an exercise wimp. I’ve been running intervals because my brain is convinced that I can’t run for longer periods. As soon as I start breathing a bit hard my brain screams, “Stop!”
So today I decided that I was going to fix that. I went out to the trail with no music, no dog, and no watch. I was going to run the one mile loop. I was not going to stop. I could run as slow as I wanted. I could run so slow that it would be faster for me to walk. I could run in place if I needed to catch my breath on this very hilly trail. But I was not allowed to stop running.
I did it! On the hills my breathing sounded like a freight train. I went really slow. But now my brain knows that my body has no problems running a mile. Next time maybe I’ll aim for 1.5. When I get to 3.1 then I’ll work on speed.
Yes, I can do this if I run slowly too—although we have flat terrain which makes a huge difference–I can do 3 miles if I run very slowly. However they say interval training may actually be better for burning calories.–not sure about what it does for the heart?
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this is great! i definitely know the feeling. it’s like my brain associates running with pain. congrats on your accomplishment!