I am very surprised at what a difference it makes to increase my weight ratio from 50% to 55% on the AlterG. No surprise that once again it was a real struggle to maintain a solid running pace at 55% body weight.
The first mile on day one was tough. I had some regression in the feeling n function in my left leg and could barely feel my heel strike. It was a struggle to keep up any type of speed and I spent a lot of time just focusing on getting mentally past the discomfort. This seemed to do the trick and the second and third mile proved much less difficult. I questioned my decision to move to the higher weight and considered going back to 50%, but I just couldn’t fathom the thought of going backwards so I committed to the discomfort and decided to stay the course.
By mile four on the third day, I was still feeling heavier and unsure of my decision to go to a higher weight. I was still struggling and my left foot was really hurting under the impact of the extra weight. Instead of stopping, I briefly shifted back to 40% weight, which is so easy to do on the machine. I only needed a few minutes at a lower weight and my foot recovered enough to finish out the week at 55%. I may not ready, but next week’s goal will be to try for 60% weight.
Week 4 Progress:
Day One –
- Time: 40 mins.
- Distance: miles 3.25
- Weight: 55 %
- Speed: Miles 1 & 2 = 7.0 mph, Mile 3 =8.0 mph
- 5 minute walks to warm-up & warm-down @ 2.5 mph
Day Two –
- Time: 45 mins.
- Distance: 3.37 miles
- Weight: 55%
- Speed: Mile 1 & 2= 6mph, Mile 3= 7 mph, Mile 4 = 8 mph
Day Three –
- Time: 45 mins.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Weight: 55% (short time @ 40%)
- Speed: Mile 1 = 6.5 mph, Mile 2 & 3 = 7.5 & 8.5mph
Next week’s goal: Move to 60% body weight varying speeds.