Running...

What is so cool about running is that it is a supremely functional movement. Since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, running has been used in real life preservation scenarios like fleeing danger, chasing down supper with a spear, or closing with an enemy. We rarely use it for those things in the society that we live in now, yet it's usefulness to our health remains unchanged since the day that God created Adam "in His Own image." Running helps raise your metabolism to burn fat, helps with cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, increases the stroke volume of your heart and the efficiency with which your body uses oxygen, strengthens and tones your legs, lower back, and abdominals, and it releases endorphins which cause relaxation and euphoria...and that's just to name a few. God engineered our bodies to do all of that when we move it in this way that He designed for it to move.

So if you have even the slightest interest in losing weight or in being competitive at all... why not train for a 5K?
A 5K is 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles. Very do-able!

So what would a training program look like? Here's a sample that I wrote for my friend Tim who is a beginner who is looking to compete. It's broken down into just 4 workouts per week.

Workout #1: Speed work. Usually 4 laps around a track, or 440 yards on a road, with about 3 minutes rest in between is a great rule of thumb for a speed workout.

Workout #2: Medium distance at a comfortable pace (if you were running with someone, you should be able to carry on a conversation). 

Workout #3: Medium distance at a comfortable pace.

Workout #4: Long run. The goal for this is at least twice as far as the race, or at least 6 miles.

Now if you're not up to this yet, that's fine. But I'd say go for these distances even if you have to walk some. As for breathing...I think people try to make way too big a deal out of it. To me, I get it in any way I can....usually in by the nose and mouth, out by the nose and mouth. As long as you get into a rhythm that works for you you'll be good.. 


And remember, I'm can always be reached at jakephillips116@gmail.com, or on Facebook if you have any questions. Get up with me and we can personalize you a schedule.