Running on the treadmill!

OK so today's workout I stretched and warmed up for about 5 minutes and then I got on the elliptical for 25 minutes. The elliptical is a nice low impact workout and I find it to be a great warm up before I run. I end up doing about 1.7-1.8 miles on the elliptical. I do the cross train routine so that I do 5 minute going forward intervals and then 2 minutes of going backwards. Again I like doing this to work all the various muscles in my legs and get a stronger workout.

I got on the treadmill and I did switch it up a bit today. I started out running at a speed of 6.5 mph and then after 3 minutes I slowed it to a fast paced walk of 4.5 mph for a minute. Then I ran faster at 6.9 mph for 3 minutes and slowed down again for 1 minute. I found this was a little less strain on my calves and shins. Then I went up for 7.4 mph and ran for 5 minutes. I went down to a walk for 1 minute and then did my final 6 minutes at 6.8 mph. I was glad to make it to my usual 2 mile marker in 19 minutes and not feel as strained as I did as just running strait through at a pace of 6.5 mph. So I think I will try to stick to the interval training and see how it goes.

Then I walked home and did some weight training. I did a lot of the moves from No More Trouble Zones and I also took out my stability ball and did some core crunches and arm work with it. I like the stability ball because it is gentler on your back and it mixes it up. When following an exercise routine I think it is important to switch things up a bit and now always do the same routines. It keeps your muscles toned better and work harder. Also keeps things interesting. For me when my workouts are too mundane I tend to dread doing them. But when I mix things up it keeps my interest and it gets exciting to challenge my body to push to new levels.

Of course I ended with my ISO 100 shake and tracked everything with my Polar monitor. I like seeing how I can constistenly burn around 600 caloris with an 85 minute workout. Makes me feel it is all worth while :)