I knew what I was going to do this morning. I wanted to try the NRC guided run 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off. I went on a 10K run on Tuesday, the first in a very long while, so knew it would be sensible to go on a shorter run today.
Before I left, I stepped outside to gauge the temperature. It was a bit chilly so I settled on a long sleeved top and shorts. (My legs donβt seem to get cold, but if itβs chilly I like my arms covered). Tech all sorted, hair tamed with water π sun visor on and ready to rock!
I started the guided run as a warm up walk is incorporated, but I like to start my watch when I start to run. My average pace is a bit faster this way ππ I need all the help I can get! π
Iβm listening to the coach and I realise immediately that I donβt like the sound of her voice. Now thatβs a new one! I try just to focus on what sheβs saying. She says that itβs fast running followed by slow jogging. I donβt want to do that, I want to walk in the recovery breaks. I abort the run and carry on with my warm up walk up the hill.
After pausing at the top of the hill to consider, I decide to Jeff. I already have a 30:30 workout saved in my watch. Decision made and off I go! Now I have to admit I found this difficult at first. I tried a number of different running intervals when I first started Jeffing last year and found 30:30 to be my preferred ratio, but of course lately Iβve been doing 60:60 with the NRC guided runs. I didnβt want to abort another workout, so I stick with it and after 6 or 7 intervals it became easier as my memory was triggered!
Focussing on the intervals took all my attention. Trying to βglideβ between running and walking needs practice, but occasionally I like the rigidity of this exercise. The longest run Iβve Jeffed is 5K and I got a pretty good time for that, close to my PB, but I recall I did run through a couple of walking intervals at the end.
Today, I went on my 3K loop (which doesnβt include the Demon Hill!) and ended up right near my house. I walked round the block to get my warm down walk in. Home for coffee! I really felt Iβd had a workout this morning and got some good post run stretches in.
I do like Jeffing occasionally and it has its place in trying to regain my former fitness! πππββοΈ