And now for a short interval...

[Janey1012]

I'm something of a masochistic; how else do you explain, amongst many other things, giving birth with no pain relief, eating kale and sitting through the One Direction film at least 5 times? This said, I may be alone in enjoying what I'm about to tell you about.

Since the grand Joining Of The Gym, I've discovered interval running in a big way. Essentially, I run like the clappers for a minute, then run at my normal pace for a minute, and repeat. For 20 minutes. Many things have become apparent : a) when I run at my normal pace, it feels so much slower and easier which is great b) I can actually run like the clappers for a total of 10 minutes (who knew?) and c) I ran outdoors for 25 minutes on Sunday with not as much effort as I used for 15.

I'm certain seasoned runners are already doing this but for those of us not quite at graduation, it might be something to consider. Or not. ☺

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

It's known as using a 'fartlek' ( yes, I know...) and help build both pace and stamina. Often useful after graduation. We normally advocate slow and steady while working through the programme to avoid injury, so take care when going like the clappers!

[Janey1012 in reply to Ullyrunner]

☺ oh THAT'S what a fartlek is! I often wondered. I'm a week off graduation and, touch wood, have been very lucky injury wise - MM and I went for a gait analysis and apparently I have (and I quote) "a natural ability for running with a neutral gait". This was said after I'd parted with joined up money as well as before 😆 anyway, it seems to be working for me as it'simproving fitness quickly. I take your point though as it would be very easy to overdo it!

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Whilst I agree with the slow and steady approach prior to Graduation (and learnt this the hard way), there is no doubt about the credentials of interval training in current thinking for building fitness. Just don't overdo it!

[mfamilias Graduate]

I would prefer to give birth to triplets without pain relief than sit through One Direction once, let alone five times. You are super woman! Haven't fartleked yet, although I probably should. I bet you're going to get the giggles every time you do it now you know what it's called.

[Janey1012 in reply to mfamilias]

☺ who on EARTH named it that? Seriously. It sounds like a BFG word...

[jojo57 Graduate in reply to Janey1012]

We can blame the Swedish nation! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fartlek

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Janey1012]

Nowt wrong with the BFG. He's one of my references in alternative English - Snozzcumber and bellypopper are two of my favourite terms

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Sorry, I can't get past "giving birth with no pain relief". Never mind the running question...!

[Janey1012 in reply to AnneDroid]

...and she was 9lb 3oz...☺