Getting Back into Running...

     I know I've mentioned this before, but I hate running.  I hate the way my back aches after about a quarter of a mile and I hate that I get so bored.  I'm constantly trying to think of new ways to make myself run more, because I know it's good for me.  I try to do strength exercises more than cardio, but I also want to increase my endurance.
     A new style of running that I've been doing the past few days has been my own version of interval running.  One form of interval running could be to walk for a distance, jog for a distance, and sprint for a distance.  My own version is to run a quarter of a mile, perform a strength exercise, and run another quarter of a mile.  This gives my legs and lungs a slight break, but I'm not wasting any energy by walking or stopping all together.  This is how I do it:

• Run 0.25 miles, do 15 squats.
• Run 0.25 miles, do 15 pushups
• Run 0.25 miles, 30 sec mountain climbers
• Run 0.25 miles 15 tricep dips (perfect on a park bench)

     What I love about this workout is that it doesn't feel like you're running far, and by the time you're done, you will have run a mile.  Repeat it once and what do you know, you've run TWO miles!  Mixing up your regular running routine by adding in some strength exercises is not only interesting, but it keeps your body moving in ways other than just a constant run.

     If you're looking for a good running app, I use the Nike running app.  I can set a distance goal, and it'll let me know how much farther I have to run.  It also gives you an approximation on how many calories you burned during your run.  I never go on a run (unless I'm on a treadmill) without using this app.