Running Journal No. 1: The Plan

Let’s skip the part where we need to say why we are running.

Today marks the first step in re-installing running into my system. Around three years ago, I used to run at least 3 times a week. Gradually, however, it went down to only one run a week, sometimes even once every two weeks. I hold no excuses but my own laziness.

This afternoon, I took my dog Tyrion out for a run - much to his delight. This is the first type of the three runs I will be doing every week.

As mentioned, this run would involve running with the dog. A double edged run as the dog needs his run as well.  This will be an easy run at a “relaxed” pace and with a distance that is just enough to make me sweat. The distance and pacing will gradually increase depending on the results of the next run and if the dog adopts well. For now, it is an uphill downhill run of just 3 Kilometers. This run serves to maintain the level of fitness demanded by the next run.

The second run will be what I could call a "breaking point" run. This is where I try to reach my breaking point for the sole purpose of breaking the breaking point. While the distance must necessarily be more than the maintenance run’s, the only indicator is when you feel like stopping. And when you do, you extend the run as much as you can. The purpose is to push the breaking point further and further.

Of course, these runs must happen at least a day apart from each other as we need to give the muscles enough rest leading to an injury free regimen.  This is part of the training since running can become really addicting.

The last run may not even be a run. This could be a group run or a different physical activity with others like a work out, a ball game etc.  This serves, first of all, to break the monotony of the two runs and also, since it may be a different work out, activates other parts of the body that may not be fully trained when you run. Gym strength training, yoga, a climb, martial arts, basketball all these and others are viable candidates for this “run”.

So wish us luck that the weather will agree. If it doesn't, there's plan B (more on that later as with all the other stuff we could talk about running) . For now, this is the routine and final word to the wise.

In an interview, multi-awarded MMA coach Mark Sangiao said that routine may be boring but it brings results.