Running Late? Speed it Up!

You neglected to get your run done in the morning and now something's come up that has cut the slot you allocated for working out in half or more.  You're wondering if it's even worth the trouble to suit up and head down the road with the meager amount of time you have left.  These pressing matters can not be avoided, so something has to give, and it's going to have to be your run.

If you haven't been faced with this dilemma yet, you probably will at some point.  As much as we try to keep an orderly schedule, life can be unpredictable, and occasionally our plans just don't work out.  When life intervenes and invades your precious workout time, don't immediately concede and throw in the towel.  Let speed be your friend.

I am not a sprinter by any stretch of the imagination, and in general, I don't like running fast, but if I've got limited minutes to get my workout in, I know a 20 minute run at race pace will be almost as good as the 40 minute relaxing run I had planned.  So, if you find yourself pressed for time, don't skip your run, speed it up and make the most of the minutes you have.  An occasional tempo workout is a good way to cross-train anyway.  Might as well get those fast twitch muscles in shape too.

Exerting maximum effort for 20 solid minutes is not easy.  Your body is not going to like being pushed so hard, and you'll feel the urge to slow down soon after you start, but don't give in.  Keep reminding yourself of the obligation that waits, and press on.  Each time you feel that pull to let up and relax, remember, you're not going far and tell yourself it will be over soon.  Remember, the faster you go, the quicker you'll be back and ready to take care of whatever it was that came up.

So, if you're running late, LACE UP and pour on the speed!