As much as afternoon thunderstorms can really put a wrench in training for a marathon, I actually didn’t mind it Monday afternoon. I hopped on the treadmill so that I could dodge the lightning, and it was a nice change of pace actually. The heat has been such a killer lately, and it was really nice to focus on something other than me sweating my brains out!
When I was driving home from work, I was thinking about the workout that I wanted to tackle. My training plan had me running at tempo pace, but I knew that was just not going to happen. My hamstring has been giving me a rough couple of weeks, and I knew that pushing 7 minute pace was not going to happen. Instead, I went ahead and made up an incline workout, to just change it up a bit.
The workout was tough to say the least! I was huffing and puffing once I got to the 5% incline, and could only look at mileage, hoping for the next half mile increment to pop up! The biggest key to this workout is to do the entire thing at the same pace, just different inclines. If you can not hold the same pace for the entire workout, then you are pushing too hard in the beginning. I kept my pace at a steady 6.8 mph. This was very easy for me at the beginning, but was very challenging once I hit my max incline.
The best part was how it actually felt like I was going down hill when I decreased the incline on the second half of the run. I was technically still going uphill, but since the resistance was so much more difficult at the higher incline, it actually felt easy! I loved that about the run – it definitely put inclines for different runs into perspective!
I was happy to be able to test out my new sports bra too! I have the opposite problem of many people – I do not need a bra with support. I actually hate the ones with a lot of support because they are too tight! I found a super cute one over the weekend at Lululemon, and thought I would share it with you all! I love the detail in the back – it gives slight support and it quite functional. No rubbing or chaffing – just smooth running 
The straps are not too thin, and not too thick. It is a very feminine top, but the look of it does not get in the way of the functionality. I definitely recommend checking it out! It is the Lululemon Free to Be Bra in Caspian Blue!
How often do you do incline workouts on the treadmill? Do you change up speeds, or keep it at the same pace?
***I was not paid to review the Lululemon top. I just like it and want to share it with you all***
Sounds like you had a great workout! I never run with the treadmill at an incline, but I think you might have inspired me to give it another try.
Also, the Free to Be bra looks really cute on you!
1) Hill workouts are HARD, and that one looks like a butt-buster!
2) I despise people who can get away with cute no-support-needed sports bras
Hope you’re having a great Thursday!