Workout I Did: A Run-Happy-Is Earth-Day HIIT Session
Run happy is Brooks, I concur!
Just a reminder that this is our new feature called Workout I Did. Today’s is extra special and sponsored by Brooks Running. Read them all and feel the workout love here!
Happy, happy Earth Day! To celebrate this holiday, I just had to get out for a run. But not just any ol’ run—a HIIT run! As we blogged about a week or so ago, we’re working with Brooks on what makes us Run Happy, and, well, running outside and doing intevals makes me happy-happy-joy-joy!
Sure, intervals are harder than going out for a leisurely jog, but when you want to make the most of 20 minutes or are looking to really boost your fitness, they ROCK. They also make a workout fly by—the intervals (especially the recovery ones, of course) just zip by.
While I dig most interval workouts, I really like this particular HIIT running workout because it changes so much depending on where you run. In my neighborhood, some streets are short; some are longer. Like Forrest says: “This workout (or, life, whatever) is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get!
Neighborhood HIIT Running Workout
Warm-up: Do some foam rolling, march in place and do a few easy moves to prepare your body for running for 2-3 minutes.
Sprint/run fast for a block; Jog/walk for a block: For 15 to 20 minutes, let the blocks of your neighborhood determine your running fate, by sprinting or running at an increased pace for one block and then recovering for the next block with a jog or a walk. Repeat for your full time. (For my run on this day, I went a mile out from my house and then back for a total of two miles. I sprinted/ran the whole thing and it took me about 18 minutes.)
Cool down: Walk for two minutes and then do a couple more minutes of stretching, yoga or foam rolling. My personal fave is foam rolling post-run.
It’s a tough HIIT running workout, but it’s effective and it’ll leave you feeling accomplished and sweaty in a short amount of time. It’s also one heck of a fun way to celebrate Earth Day—and Run Happy.
What makes you Run Happy? Do you have a favorite HIIT running workout? What is it? I’m always looking for new ones to try! —Jenn
Comments
This sounds awesome – especially since I’m cooped up at work! Can’t wait to try it 🙂
Thanks Jenn. I am a Sport and Exercise Psychology Expert and I was always tell my athletes/fitness enthusiasts to be creative and add variety every week. You obviously implement this two concepts in your workouts and, for that, I applaud you. Nicely done! ~Dr. Haley
Sounds like a good way to get a quick run in while getting a good work out
I LOVE HIIT! Nothing burns my fat faster than HIIT. I actually tested out just straight running for three months before Christmas this year and I ended up softer on my belly. If you don’t want to be soft…stay away from too much steady state cardio! I wrote about it here… http://www.tessavanwade.com/fitness-and-health/six-pack-abs-and-less-cardio/ on my blog. Please check it out!
Thank you so much for this post!!
XO,
Tessa
Totally forgot it was Earth Day, I’m definitely gonna try this workout today – will let you know how I get on 🙂
Hey thanks for this workout Jenn, I’m definitely going to give this interval training stuff a go 🙂
I did this exact workout this morning except I have to use landmarks because my neighborhood isn’t set up in blocks. It was awesome.
Hi Jenn, this is a really great tip. I will surely advice this too to my friends that can’t find time to workout. HIIT might really be a hit to most of our busy friends.
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