My running goal over the past couple of years was to hit at least 20 miles per week, running three days per week, usually 2 on trails and one on pavement. That pavement run was my all-out, push-the-pace run. I put on my headphones and let my legs fly. Although I have really shifted focus to the trails, I can't let go of my need for speed. While my "speed" has sadly changed over the years, I still love that feeling of pushing myself to the red zone.
But this winter, I've had to change my running goals. After being sick with back-to-back illnesses in December, I had to dial back both my pace and my distance. The bitterly cold, windy weather forced me to make peace with my treadmill. But something interesting has happened.
I don't hate it. In fact, by doing interval training on the treadmill, I bounced back much quicker than I expected. I am not accumulating the mileage that I am used to--I haven't had a 20 mile week for a couple of months, but I'm running better than I have for a while. Maybe less is more?
With this in mind, I've decided that I want to work on my endurance, and a research study cited in a newsletter I subscribe to caught my eye. This study found that while moderate intensity exercise, like long runs, is great for increasing mitochondrial quantity, sprinting is great for increasing the quality of the mitochondria you already have, leading to more power, strength, and endurance. Of course, the research subjects were healthy young men, not old ladies, but I have no doubt that I can benefit from sprinting. Plus, it makes the time on the treadmill pass quickly.
Stay tuned!
