I conducted an experiment on which running routine gives me the hardest workout. I started with my typical run which is basically a mix of gentle inline jogs then picking up the speed on the flats, the next is my speed run which is basically running at varying speeds as fast as I can push my self, the last was an incremental incline run where I I incrementally increase the incline level on the treadmill. All these data were taken in 30 minute running sessions:
Typical run: March 4, 2010
Speed run: March 8, 2010
Inclined run: March 9, 2010
The hardest run was the incremental incline run, it was only increments of 1-1.5-2 on the treadmill (I’m guessing in degrees). It doesn’t seem much but the communicative effects on my calves was very evident compared to my 2 runs. The most challenging was the speed run, I had a sustained heart rate of 190-194bpm in the last 5 minute sprint which was my red zone. The feeling was so intense it was almost euphoric, it was an adrenaline rush unlike nothing I’ve ever felt before. I was happy that I was able to go all out for 30 minutes in a sustained ascending speed, but I am also quite disappointed that I am still 500m-700m shy of my goal (7km in 3 minutes).
Replicating these results in the road will be a challenge, but I am optimistic. Despite my hard runs (for me anyway) I still have the energy to do my weight lifting routines right after the runs, then still have enough energy left to go back and work. It’s still a long road but I’ll eventually hit my goals with the right frame of my.
