Low Intensity

I’ve mentioned a few times how my training drive has been diminishing. Hard running workouts, jacking my heart rate up with tough circuits or heavy weights have been unappealing. Perhaps my body’s way of telling me not to add more stress to the system. Yesterday however, I felt an urge to suffer. To test the waters, face some uncertainty and see what I could do. 

I hoped for a long run. I checked the temperature, changed and took Clementine for a warm up walk around the neighborhood. Then, I paced around for 20 minutes, laid on the couch and couldn’t get myself out the door. My head wasn’t in the game for a run, but I still wanted to do something, needed to do something. 

I decided to take on a challenge on the rower, to row further than I ever have before. Since it was new territory, I had nothing to compare it to, no standard to uphold, just a task that needed to be completed. In retrospect, this was a good idea. It allowed me to keep the intensity low, to not add stress to the system and to get a small win. 

The challenge took a little more than 60 minutes. I maintained a low heart rate the whole time, keeping it all zone 1 with nasal only breathing. I focused on my technique, my breath and finishing the challenge. When it was over, I felt great, accomplished. A perfect low intensity challenge. 

I made the mistake myself, thinking that I needed to do something excruciatingly difficult. Instead, I did something long and slow, a steady, low-key effort. A nice reminder to keep my efforts consistent, rather than heroic. 

Justin Miner 

@justinminergain