As you will see from my blog entries each week, as a 50 year old, (although physically my body is more often likened to a 35 year old) I am conscious of my joints (wear and tear of knees, ankles and hips) and their flexibility, so I take advantage of the local highschool track as the surface is much more conducive to the program and my body.  I can run on the track itself or use the astro-turf edge on the inside of the track for an even softer carpet under my feet.

Sure it can get boring at times, but I have a goal in mind (3 for 3) so I put up with the monotony of the track for the moment and se music and the following other activities to stay mentally engaged and finishing the targeted cycle.

PushUps Break it Up

After each mile, I hit the ground for three sets of pushups.  Twelve or fifteen reps.  It keeps my core engaged, gets me off my legs, ankles and feet and obviously throws a little upper body workout into the equation.  I jump up after finishing each set, walk around and go back to it until I finish all three sets of pushups.  Then, hit the track again for another mile.

Thus, at the end of my three miles, I have actually finished a full upper and lower body workout, achieved my cardio training goal and built a little muscle tone in the process. 

Abs Finish it Off

Remember, I am a fitness trainer, so no time spent training the body is ever complete without a little focused attention on the  abdominal core.  I tend to use whatever surface is available, a bench, picnic table, ground (if it is not wet) and I usually take off my sneakers to perform the Pilates Ab Series and a set of Teasers (V-Sit Ups for traditional strength trainers).

When done with the 45-55 minutes, I feel complete, clear and ready for the next mountain to climb!  I will admit, though, I am also thankful for the day of rest in between having to tackle that damn track again.

More Strength and Running Drills from Road Runner.com