2024 Health Goals: Why I’m trying to run less
But still have more energy
I’ve been trying to run less because I want my body to function well as I age.
Last year I ran 1122 kms, down from 1795 kms in 2019.
I love running as it helps regulate my appetite and relieve stress.
But I've overdone it since retiring, and after watching some grandparents go down hill quickly as soon as their legs gave out, I’ve realised I need to deal with stress in a more sustainable way.
And if I needed a reminder to slow down, I tore my calf on New Year's Day while running hungover and carrying a few extra kgs.
ENERGY
Aside from dealing with stress, I run because it gives me energy and my goal for the year is to run less, but still have even more energy.
But how do you measure energy?
Sports scientists measure athletes' Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a sign of whether an athlete is well recovered and healthy.
If the groups HRV was down, that meant the team was fatigued and coaches would make the session easier.
But if the HRV was up, we’d push ahead with the planned session.
It’s not perfect, but I’ve found it to be the best way to regulate my energy levels, and most smartwatches can measure it.
My Oura ring does it too and I plan to get my average Readiness score for the year above 88, which factors in HRV with resting heart rate and body temperature.
Now I know some of you are thinking: “I don’t need a device to tell me if I’m tired”, which is fair.
But they do make it easier to hear what your body is telling you, and I get sick a lot less since wearing mine.
The other way to have more energy is to sleep better, and I aim to average 8 hours a night for the entire year.
I figure if I’m well rested, I’ll make good decisions about what to eat and have more mental bandwidth to get organised.
Then, I’ll be less stressed because I’m organised and have more energy to deal with any curve balls throughout the year.
2024 Health Goals:
Run less and lift more
Have more energy
How:
- Average Oura Readiness score of 88
- Average 8hrs sleep per night
- Average 15-20 kms running per week at
and parkrun.- 2 weight sessions
- 1 recovery session
- Spend more time getting organised
- Journal or go for a walk instead of eat when stressed.
What’s your health goals for 2024?
If you like cardio then start up Riding for Resilience!! Can do a quick blast on a bike 🚲 to get the heart pumping and it's next to no impact. I love running too but I'm in a similar boat to you that I don't think my body can sustain it without too much damage. Cycling, and swimming for that matter, have been excellent substitutes although not as convenient as just whacking on some shoes and heading out the door.
Nice one Ben, I too have fitness goals as have higher HRV by improve my sleep time & maintain good resting HR, 3 weight session. thinking to have one recovery session as you mentioned in this article.
But one question, I thought running more will improve fitness, why you think running more wont increase your fitness or drain your energy ?