30 Day Challenge – It’s Over

It is all done and dusted now the 30 Day Challenge from Kinetic Revolution so what is the verdict?

Firstly I have to say that it is worth remembering that this is something that a coach has made available for free when he doesn’t have to, and by this I am not suggesting there is anything wrong with the challenge, just that when something is free it is worth remembering it is not tailored for you and so is meant of everyone.

Having said that, I enjoyed the challenge, taking a structured approach over the 5 stages means you get a good idea of the areas in which you are either stronger or need to improve upon and you can also see/feel your improvement.

The big question is, What did I take from the challenge? Well, put simply three things.

Firstly, a set of exercises that I can use whenever I want to target strength, mobility etc

Secondly, much improved flexibility in my hips, and this has helped me with the rehabilitation of my knee

Finally, a small tweak to my running technique, which has given me a slightly higher cadence and a feeling of running so much smoother. In fact, my wife who saw me running the other day said the change in my running style was very noticeable and I looked like I was running on rails, no higher praise!

In summary, for me this has bene a really worth while experience, I had never really thought much before about running technique and how much difference it can make, but now I know and I will be trying to build on the initial improvements as I know the potential difference it can make.

So, go on get over to Kinetic Revolution and sign up and give it a go, and I bet you get one good takeaway, and of course don’t forget it is free.

30 Day Challenge – Stage 3

Today I finished the 3rd stage of the Kinetic Revolution 30 Day Challenge and I am glad it is over!

This stage is designed around Intermediate Mobility & Plyometric Training, and this meant it was tough going. I am not sure if it was just me, but this set of exercises were hard, and as the reps were the same throughout it meant not gradual build up, just straight in and not let up.

The thing I took from this, that this is obviously an area I am weak in, else I would have found the exercises much easier. Does this mean I am going to add any of these exercises to my now normal post session sets, well I honestly don’t know. Part of me is thinking that once or twice a week might be an idea but the jury is still out.

The big question is am I feeling any difference so far, well, as I said last time I am certainly feeling a difference in my hips and I think that I am running with a better posture, not sinking into my hips, although I can’t say for sure it just feels like that.

There are 2 stages left and at the end of those will I be a better runner, who knows, but at least I will have learnt some very good lessons that should ultimately help my running.

30 Day Challenge – Stage 1

I have completed the first stage of the Kinetic Revolution 30 Day Challenge.

The first stage is based around basic mobility & balance training, and if I am honest it is an area I had not really considered in my daily training. Yes I do a set of stretches after each training session but I only concentrated on my basic legs muscles. For me, this meant this stage introduced me to doing a set of exercises that not only were not familiar to me but were in reality fresh.

6 days of progression through the exercises means that you start with getting the correct form and then you build upon it throughout the next few days.

The big question is, have I felt or noticed any differences? Well, to be honest the answer is yes, my hips certainly feel looser, I am not sure that is the most medical of descriptions but let me try and explain it.

On my first run since the end of stage one, I certainly could feel the additional flexibility, my legs felt like there was plenty of free movement but as the run was zone 1 I wasn’t able to open up fully, but even at the really steady pace I felt good.

The question will be, when I add the basic strength & core training of stage 2 will I feel added strength and still feel as flexible? Time will tell but I have a good feeling about this.

If you are interested in taking the challenge go and visit the site and sign up, it might just change you running.

An Extra Challenge

This week I have been building on the improvement in my knee, and have seen some improvement, for example on my third 45 minute zone 1 run, I ran an extra 0.5km at a slightly lower average heart rate, so heading in the right direction.

One thing I have become more aware of since the knee injury is what I do post a training session. For a long time I have always done the same set of stretches, hamstring, calf and quads, sine seeing the physio I have added some foam roller work. I was reading the Kinetic Revolution website and decided to take a closer look at the 30 day challenge.

I have heard about the challenge before, but never looked at it as I alway assumed it would interfere with my normal training, however, it turns out I should have looked into this more as it is designed to compliment anything you currently do, not replace it.

Armed with the new knowledge I decided to sign up, now the challenge is split up into 5 stages, each focusing on a different area. I am in the first stage, Basic Mobility & Balance Training, this stage consists of a series of exercises to work on certain areas, hamstrings, hip flexor and adductor plus some balance drills.

I can’t say I have seen an improvement in my running already, but I think the hip flexor exercises are helping me, as when I was at the physio she did point out my lack of mobility in my right hand side and I do feel a bit more flexible there now.

I am going to try and write about my progress through the challenge as it will be interesting to see if I can find some tangible results.

To anyone who is reading this and wondering whether to have a go, I say try it, if nothing else, like me, you might learn something that will ultimately help your running.