RUNNING IS GREAT exercise, and arguably one of the most “functional” things you can do. After all, humans can often be in situations when they either need to catch up to or flee from things, like the bus or the zombie apocalypse. Running can also be really freakin’ boring. “These workouts break up the monotony of a standard run routine with full body exercises that morph you into a hybrid runner,” says Alex Nicholas, founder of EPIC Hybrid Training Center in NYC, Miami, and Providence, who designs such sessions to prep people for the rigors of obstacle course racing. “Doing exercises throughout a run workout helps release extra endorphins, which makes these runs much more stimulating—literally.” You’ll also burn a hell of a lot more calories.
1. Core Miles
All you’ll need for this one, which breaks up an “easy” run with some great core work, is a recurring timer. During a 3-5 mile jog, every five minutes on your timer, drop down and do one minute of Up Down planks (start on your hands, lower one arm at a time to your forearms, step back up to your hands). Alternate your lead hand each time you come up.