It may have be just nudging over 2 degrees outside and getting dark; but this week I was determined to stick to my New Year plan of one run outside every week, this being week two! In 2012, I completed the FIT 2012 challenge of 10 weeks of hardcore personal training with International Personal Trainer Aimee Stevens. That set me up for a programme focusing on strength and resistance, high protein powered meals and building lean muscle. One of my aims was to get my running mojo back and this year I’m really focusing on that goal.
Run Faster, Run Better – with AudioFuel
So with new trainers purchased, a renewed positive mental attitude, I just needed one more thing. You see for me to run, and to run fast and well I need musical inspiration. What’s more general encouragement is good. A few years ago I discovered AudioFuel and was one of the first runners to test out their new tracks. Now I felt it was time to up my running game and AudioFuel have some great new motivational tracks available; so I thought I’d test them out!
About AudioFuel
AudioFuel was founded by Sean Blair, Clare Crean and Howie Saunders in 2008. The business creates audio fitness products by combining custom composed music with voice coaching to create training programmes. They really are truly inspirational; giving you a pick up when you need it most and the focus to achieve your goals.
AudioFuel is designed for sport, composed to synchronize exercise to the beat of the music. Research proves this alignment of exercise with the beat improves performance and reduces the perception of effort. I find it really helps me stay motivated, push harder and work out with good form. AudioFuel don’t just do music for running either; they also do music tracks for walking, jogging and fitness packs combing three incrementally harder sessions, to really push you to the max.
Running with Chrissie Wellington
It’s not everyday you get to run with reigning a World Ironman Champion. Well actually I didn’t but she was there chatting away in my ear as I ran through the streets of Tunbridge Wells, it was like she was my running buddy for that training session.
Chrissie Wellington has teamed up with sports music specialists AudioFuel and Universal Music, to create Tri Harder – a comprehensive range of audio training programmes. Designed for use on MP3 players, the programmes provide the unique combination of coaching from Chrissie and custom composed AudioFuel.
I chose the track Run Faster: an interval session that lasts forty minutes training. Based on her own training schedules and applying the motivational techniques that she uses herself when preparing to race, Chrissie has worked with AudioFuel to specify and script the tracks she works on.
“I feel strongly that as a professional triathlete my impact and message should be wider than my performance on the race course, and last longer than my athletic career” says Chrissie. “And Tri Harder is one way I can help encourage people to get motivated to participate in sport, and for those who do to be fitter, faster and stronger”.
I find it really helps having someone urging you on through a run; especially when it is cold and dark and you still have a long distance to cover. As well as giving you the beat to run through as she takes you through different interval training, Chrissie pushes you, encourages you and gives you tips on keeping good form. All those things you need to have that added element to your training regime. Just as I’m struggling to power up a hill; Chrissie seems to know that and booms “Push harder, don’t give up” in my ear.
The intervals are really great for breaking up your run; just choose your route carefully. I found I was in a sprint section when I had to cross some busy roads; so stay safe, keep your music on a suitable volume to hear traffic and take care.
“You’re half way through the interval, focus on smooth, light, effortless running”
As well as interval training there are also pyramid training sessions available at AudioFuel, indoor bike training workouts, swim faster tracks (if you have a waterproof ipod!), and compilations for triathlon training and half and marathon training packs.
AudioFuel tracks are available AudioFuel.co.uk and iTunes. They are used all over the world by a wide range of fitness levels from novices to Olympic gold medallists. You can try an AudioFuel download for free by clicking here.
Give it a go, it might just change your training regime and get you running faster and better than before. I just need to find some new running gloves and a hat if I’m going to keep my running plan up in January!