Fitness | 10k Runner

As you may know I have been training for the Bristol 10k Race for Life recently so I thought I would share with you my progress, what I have found helps with training, essential gear and how to increase your speed! 

I haven't followed a standard 10k race training schedule I have just kinda done my own thing. What I find gets you fit fast and helps to increase your race pace is HIIT workouts. A simple yet very effective one which I have been doing over the past few weeks is Bikini Cardio from the Tone It Up Bikini Series. I love HIIT workouts and as they are based on time rather than distance it is very rewarding to see that distance increase and the miles per minute decrease. As you can see from the above photo the first time I did this workout I was running 9min 17sec miles and my distance was 4.85 miles. Fast forward seven weeks and I am running 8min 50sec miles and my distance is 5.09 miles! That's a huge improvement. Through HIIT workouts I have seen my fitness improve in leaps and bounds and now my 'easy' run pace is 8:50 a mile :) 

Other than running I follow the Tone It Up weekly schedule and the Beach Babe DVD for strength training. I also made sure to get in some cross training with my weekly spin classes. Spin is great because now only do they use HIIT routines but it is low impact so it offsets the high impact road running. 

Now I never run on treadmills and I have only done so maybe twice in my life. I much prefer the road beneath my feet and the fresh air! With this in mind there are a few things which I would say are essential for me when running. 

• A good pair of trainers ~ I am current using my Nike Flyknit Lunar1+. I find them comfortable and lightweight. 
•  A baseball hat ~ For those rainy days!
• A lightweight long sleeve top ~ For days when it is chilly. I love my Run Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve from Lululemon which I have worn to death :) 

I am hoping to be able to run sub 53 minutes on Saturday so wish me luck!