Sunday, September 12, 2021

What Our Fitness Editor Learned From Attempting a New PR

When was the last time you walked in someone else’s shoes? This old adage is usually used to implore someone to change their perspective in order to build empathy. But it can also be helpful for other purposes to adopt the insignia of an unfamiliar lifestyle. I adopted this philosophy (and a bold new exercise plan) to shake up my physical training and achieve a new goal. Instead of taking just a few steps in someone else’s shoes, I tried to run. Fast.

The inspiration for my extra-personal experience was to run a mile as fast as possible. While I usually include running in my weekly fitness plan, I do the majority of my training as a fitness editor for Men’s Health at a gym with a focus on strength and conditioning.

When I run, I either sprint for stamina or train for long road races like marathons. Single miles? I usually just ride those 5,280 feet at a more relaxed pace. The last time I ran just a mile for speed was my senior year in college as a decathlete on the track team (and the race was actually a 1,500-yard, just under a mile). I haven’t trained particularly hard, instead focusing on my stronger suits like throws, jumps, and sprints – all of which are more geared towards bursts of strength and speed. Needless to say, I didn’t win this race.

Jeff Allen Studios Inc.

In order to set a new PR and actually finish at top speed (I was aiming for a sub-5 mile) I knew I needed some help. I connected to Runner’s World (and nine-time marathon runner) feature editor. Matt Allyn for some pre-workout advice. We shared our know-how so we could both move up – he gave me a detailed training plan for the mile race and I gave him tips on how to improve his bench press. The final key to my mileage dreams was the right running shoes.

Hover 5

BROOKSRUNNING.COM

$ 150.00

Thankfully, with the help of Brooks, I tucked my feet into a new pair of Levitate 5s, the latest in one of my favorite lines of performance shoes. The Levitate 5 features the company’s special DNA AMP cushioning that provides a bouncy, quick transition experience while running. They’re comfortable enough that not only did I want to wear them when training, but also fast enough that I felt like I had a secret weapon for a new PR.

Four weeks of concentration

In the run-up to the big run, I stuck to the plan as closely as possible. There were a couple of days that I missed and I replaced some of the sessions with other running workouts. But I was dialed in. I felt great taking steps towards the ultimate goal of the fastest possible mile. I hadn’t been able to get the most out of weights or many other meaningful ways since my last street race before the pandemic, so I was determined to make this attempt count.

On the day of the race, heat was predicted – we’re talking about a heat index of 106 ℉. I drank a lot of water the day before to keep me hydrated. Fortunately, I was able to wake up and leave Brooklyn’s McCarren Park at 5:45 a.m. to start before the scorching sun peaked. After an extensive warm-up on the track and in the infield, I was ready to go.

Men's Health Fitness Editor Brett Williams and Runner's World Features Editor Matt Allyn

Jeff Allen Studios Inc.

Matt kindly agreed to help me measure the time and declare splits (how much time had passed so far) for each of the four laps on the track. We spoke for a minute to develop a strategy, and I stuck to the line. After a short countdown, I was gone and also measured the race on my own watch.

Set the tempo

I got into the zone when I started running. I had decided to walk alone without headphones for the first time in a long time and forced myself to fall into my own rhythm, depending on my steps and the springy response of the Levitate 5 sneaker to set the pace. The first lap felt great and I crossed the finish line about 72 seconds below my target pace. (I was on a public track, so I sometimes had to wiggle around strollers and joggers, constantly having to keep my head on a swivel joint in case one of the footballs being booted across the lawn hit the track.) But between lap 2 and 3 there was no drama as I pumped my legs and struggled to keep up with the already tremendous heat.

Brooks Levitate 5 running sneakers

Jeff Allen Studios Inc.

When I reached the fourth and final lap, I knew it was time to push. I limped behind, but my training started and I kept stepping forward (a pair of light, springy shoes definitely helped me at this point). I hit the last 200 yards and knew it was now or never. I kicked hard, ran fast and strong through the last part of the run.

I missed my ultimate goal of running under 5 minutes, but my 5:30 time was still a quick new PR. Given the challenges of the heat and the busy route, I was happy with my performance. But the best part of the whole experience? When I crossed the finish line, I didn’t feel like I was walking in someone else’s shoes. This race was my own.


Brett Williams, fitness editor for Men’s Health, is a NASM CPT certified trainer and former professional football player and tech reporter who divides his exercise time between strength and conditioning, martial arts, and running.

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source https://www.bisayanews.com/2021/09/12/what-our-fitness-editor-learned-from-attempting-a-new-pr/

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