May is National Bike Month. Have you hopped on your bike yet for a fun ride, to commute to work or to get in a tough workout? I will readily (but sadly) admit I have not been on my bike yet. I spent the first few weeks of May scared straight into running after my sore and tiring April race. Now that I have a few weeks before my next race, and with summer like weather upon us, it’s time I shake up the routine a bit.
When was the last time you changed up your fitness routine? While consistency in frequency is good, not changing up the routine itself will eventually cause you to plateau. The body learns to become really efficient at things it does over and over again. After awhile, the benefits start to diminish. That is not to say one should stop. It just means the body is ready to try something different. Small changes can be just as powerful as big shake ups.
Since I’m training for races that happen with quick frequency, I need to stay balanced. But I’ve been doing a very similar running routine (partially because I had to run inside so much during winter and spring) and it’s no wonder only certain parts of my body are getting tired. Simply finding a route with a few more hills will help me utilize muscles that haven’t been used much. Over the weekend I went on a trail run (again, I haven’t done one for awhile) and both the high humidity and change in terrain wiped me out. I woke up the next morning more sore than my last race. That was a sign I need to change it up.
In addition to hills, the reintroduction of speed work is going to be important for me. I’ve been holding off because it really calls upon the hamstring. Even if I’m not doing 400 repeats on the track next week, just spending 10-15 seconds doing all out sprints and then returning to normal running will be a big deal.
These are all routines I’ve done before, but for various reasons hasn’t been a part of my routine for awhile. Sometimes it’s not about finding brand new, “next big thing” trends, it’s just about dusting off routines that have been on the shelf for awhile. Sometimes it’s fine and fun to try new things but all too often we just get busy or bored and stop. If you’re stuck in a rut, rediscover your exercise passion and go for it!
I need to dust off the bike seat. I need to push myself beyond the flattest, easiest running routes. I suppose that’s somewhat metaphorical for life too – so think about other life routines that need a dusting or a shake up. You have to work towards what you want. Sometimes it’s the tweak and sometimes it’s a whole new plan.
Miss FitGab
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