By Christine Yu for Life by DailyBurn
Now that all the big fall races are over and the weather is getting colder, most people are ready to pack away their sneakers and hibernate. While some consider the winter an off-season, it’s definitely not the time to slack off from training.
“Many runners simply take the winter off, but this is a huge mistake,” says Jason Fitzgerald, USATF-certified running coach. “Taking a season off — or barely running at all — prevents most runners from progressing.”
Take elite Saucony-sponsored runner Tina Muir, for example. After running the Chicago Marathon in October, Muir has spent time working on the little things to make her a stronger runner like building strength, improving her form, and practicing yoga. “This downtime between racing is the best time to do it,” says Muir. “You can’t throw a lot of this work in when you’re training hard since your muscles are already fatigued. And, this way, you don’t have to spend half the spring and summer getting back into shape.”
–
7. Hit the ‘Mill!
Don’t want to run outside? No problem. Try this treadmill hill workout from CLAY Health Club + Spa. It will build glute and leg strength as well as increase fast-twitch muscle fibers. The result: you being able to run farther, better, faster and stronger.
Your Winter Treadmill Workout
Before you start, you’ll need to determine your speed and incline for the workout. Find your goal pace-per-mile for the desired incline — 6 percent for this workout — and corresponding treadmill miles per hour setting. After you finish your warm-up, step off the treadmill belt and bring your speed up to your hill sprint speed and your desired incline. Step back onto the belt to begin your hill intervals. Recovery should be standing still on the side rails, off the belt.
More from Life by DailyBurn:
The 50 Best Half-Marathons in the U.S.
8 Killer Treadmill Classes (Plus Cardio Workouts to Try Now)
6 Core Exercises to Make You a Stronger, Faster Runner?
