It’s funny how you switch up something in your work out so minor but it turns out to make such a huge difference!  Normally, in Cardiac Rehab, I do 10 minutes on the bike and THEN go to the treadmill for 26 minutes of walking and jogging.  My lower legs usually get really fatigued and my 2 minute jogging intervals are difficult.  I find myself “pushing” through them and only being able to maintain the 4.3 speed for about a minute before decreasing down to 4.0 speed for the 2nd minute.

During my last Cardiac Rehab session, the bikes were all full when I started, so I HAD to start on the treadmill.  Of course, there was some trepidation on my part.  Not sure how I would feel doing that before my legs were “warmed up”.  So, I grabbed some water to put in the treadmill’s cup holder (I have to run with water) and began.

THIS TREADMILL SESSION FELT A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!  I began my 4 minutes of walking at 3.0 speed.  Then increased the speed to run.  My range is between 4.0-4.4, but I’ve never felt good enough to try 4.4 until NOW.  I increased the speed to 4.4, and it felt good.  After a minute, I still felt good…maybe even better!  I did it!  I ran for 2 full minutes at 4.4 speed, and it felt great!  No pain, no fatigue, didn’t feel like I was “pushing” through!  I was glad to get back down to the 3.0 speed to walk and catch my breath.  I completed my next 4 minutes of walking at 3.0 and then accelerated to 4.4 to run again for 2 minutes and did it!  Again!  And it still felt great!  My legs felt so strong, I felt so in shape!  I was able to complete ALL 4 of my 2 minute jogging intervals at the 4.4 speed for the entire time!  What a work out!  And to think I’ve been getting tired and fatigued on the bike, which has probably been holding me back.

After the treadmill, I went to the bike for 10 minutes.  It was hard.  I felt like I was struggling a little, and I was sweating quite a lot!  But I finished.

And now I know that next time, I want to start with the treadmill and save the bike until the end.  It’s funny how a small change like that can make a world of difference.

I could definitely tell a difference later in the day.  My legs felt stronger and tighter, and all around, I felt better (those endorphins!).

It feels great that I was able to increase my speed and maintain it.  Maybe I’ll get to that 5K in well before my 1 year goal!

P.S. I did buy new running shoes.  Didn’t spend a lot of time researching and shopping because I was super tired that day.  I normally rotate through various brands – Nike, Saucony, Adidas, and New Balance.  The pair I bought this round is Saucony.  We’ll see how they work out for now.