WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Alexi Pappas
Alexi Pappas does many things well— she runs professionally for the Nike Oregon Track Club Elite, writes, creates films, and inspires fans everywhere with a hard-working, light-hearted flare. She competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene after competing for Dartmouth College during her undergraduate career and the University of Oregon for her fifth year of eligibility.
Alexi credits her success mostly to hard work, lots of sleep and an attitude of perseverance, especially in her blog post about meeting the President! Though she competed at the Olympic Trials in 2012 in the 3000m Steeple Chase, she's since proven herself to be a contender in longer distances on the track, and road races as well.
One of her favorite hard workouts? Intervals on the trails!
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is on-and-off intervals on the trails! For example, 2 min on, 2 min off for 40 minutes.What do you feel it improves?
For me, an interval workouts on the trail allows me to truly run-by-feel. By pushing myself based on effort, rather than focusing on exact splits, I am able to better learn my own physical and mental limits.
How difficult would you say it is?
Interval workouts are always tough for me, because I am always trying my best in any given interval. Usually these workouts are fun, though, because the challenge is very personal and every interval workout feels different.Do you recommend other runners try it?
Yes!When do you enjoy it (the first few, the last few, only after it's over etc.)?
I enjoy the last interval most, because I know the workout is almost over but the final interval is usually the most tough!As far as nutrition goes, how do you fuel up and recover from the workout?
I refuel within 30 minutes of finishing a workout! Lots of fluids and a big meal. Also, I change my sportsbra immediately... dry sportsbra is key!
