Sun, Jul-03-11, 20:48
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Senior Member
Posts: 126
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Plan: Atkins
Stats: 265/231/175
BF:265/231/175
Progress: 38%
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I too like silence while exercising. Generally if working out on a machine, I monitor my progress -- computing in my head the next interval's time, etc.
On a treadmill, I really have to concentrate on staying in the correct position (centered and forward). My natural gait has a drift. Also, I naturally vary my pace (not a lot mind you) -- the machine does not allow that.
On the elliptical, I can just think. The foot pads and handles keeps me in position. Often I just think about things I want to do. The time passes quicker that way. Again, I do check my performance -- every mile for sure, sometimes every 0.05 miles. I know that my pace is 20 sec per 0.05 miles.
As to increasing your time, I would work on the distance that you travel in a given time ( how fast you can cover 3 miles). If you are running and walking, I would work on the running time and reduce the walking time. Most TM have clocks. I would pick a constant running for x time, walk for y time. So for that interval ( x + y ), increase the amount of run and reduce the walk. I like 1 minute intervals. Easy to spot and track.
You can of course increase the speed of your run and maintain the interval. Again the machines have miles per hour or the like. You of course only really have to track the pace and increase it. Again, I like the constant pace mode. As I get stronger, I up the speed.
Alternatively, just start increasing the distance. Five to 10 percent changes are good additions. You might find you cannot do 10% more the first time -- but keep after that goal. Once you reach it, maintain that for a week or two. Then step up the distance again.
I personally like doing a short and long distance. Weekday is my short workout. The weekend is for a long distance. Right now they are 40-45 minutes and 60-70 minutes, respectively.
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