Hi there, new here… until I read Born to Run I limited my efforts to short runs of about 3 miles. That all changed last year when I realized I could indeed run 10k a day, and later in the fall my distance went up to 14k on occasion. Loved it. Then winter hit.

I live rurally, in the mountains. There’s no gym, and our highway maintenance is such that it is definitely unsafe to run on the road. There’s no track, either. I’ve started to use one flat, unpaved stretch of quiet road, wearing trax. It’s not much fun, but at least I get out.

So when I read training plans and such, that talk about track time and hill climbs and whatnot, I get pretty discouraged. I’m 55, I want to increase my distance JUST BECAUSE and I want to work on my speed because I’m really slow (still at 11min/mile) and eventually want to run in a 10k without being last.

I do have a very basic elliptical trainer that I do use once or twice a week, and an ancient stationary bike that’s gathering dust. I do use free weights to build up my upper body to be ready for paddling come April.
Once a week I’m able to use a treadmill, and I use it for maximum speed effort. I run at about 5.2 and then crank it up to about 7.5 for as long as I can, which is a good minute the first interval, and then shorter each time. active recovery about 5 minutes in between

Any advice on how I can work on endurance and/or speed with all these limitations?

Monarch Park Stadium Running and Fitness.

With the Largest Indoor Track in the City of Toronto (370 meters), Monarch Park Stadium offers the best place to run regardless of what the weather is like outside. Our Indoor Track is of made of high grade material intended for professional training, so even when the weather is good outside you can still be sure that you would get the best support and traction to make the most of your run!

Also, our New Fitness Classes offer a different dimension of fitness that integrates the best of Spinning/ Running, as well as Strength Training and Cardio. A must try for any fitness enthusiast!

We’re also having a Family Day Event on the 18th of February. We would like to invite you to come and join us for this.

For more information on this event, as well as our fitness schedule, pricing and sport options that may be of interest to you please visit our website at:
http://www.monarchparkstadium.com/

Additional information about other fitness options, events, as well as photos of the park can also be found on the website

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact me, Mike, at MikeM1287@hotmail.com

Also feel free to contact our Fitness instructor, Jason, at Jason@MonarchParkStadium.com . He will be able to best answer any fitness class related questions.

Thanks very much and hope to see you all soon at Monarch Park Stadium.
Sincerely,
Mike.