Regular training while good for both the body and mind can grow stale after a while. Plateaus happen to the best of athletes. Boredom creeps up and before you know it you’re put off the next training session. The solution: mixing it up.
1 – Shake it up
If you’re used to running the same course at the same pace it’s time to add some fartleks. A fartlek is just a fancy (actually it’s Swedish) name for the mini burst of speed you add to your normal run. Just add 30 seconds of sprinting every few minutes, or speed up between every other light posts.
2 – Step out of your comfort zone
Try a yoga class. Yoga is beneficial for runners. It stretches and strengthens your body and mind. Stretching is an important part of recovery for both runners and non-runners. With a few simple stretches you can sit and stand taller, unwind from a tough day, and relax from the inside out.
3 – Hit the park
The Gold Coast City Council introduced free fitness activities in the park all around the Gold Coast. From tai chi to yoga to boot camp classes and even the Park Run, you can do it for free. Take advantage of such opportunities to alter your routine, meet new people and try something you wouldn’t normally do.
4 – Get cross
Cross fit has become extremely popular in recent years. Trainers are becoming cross fit qualified and focusing a lot on using the cross fit method. As a runner, you can benefit from doing cross fit once or twice per week by developing muscle, reducing body fat, and building a stronger core.
5 – Challenge yourself
You’ve probably run the 5km, the half marathon and even survived the 42.2km. So what’s next? Why not give the Tough Mudder or Spartan Challenge a go? They test your strength, endurance, speed, agility and team work through the race. There are various courses of anywhere between 7km-42km and beyond.
