Three years ago, I decided to take up running, and looking back, I'm thrilled with the progress I've made. Running has significantly improved my fitness levels, making me feel healthier and more energetic. Initially, the thought of lacing up my shoes and heading out three times a week seemed daunting, but I committed to the routine and stuck with it.

Despite my dedication, there were times when staying motivated was tough, especially when progress felt slow. I had high hopes for rapid weight loss and muscle gain, but those changes didn't materialize as quickly as I expected. This led me to seek new strategies to overcome the plateau and achieve my fitness goals.

A few months into my running journey, I started feeling more comfortable running for up to forty minutes without stopping, and my stamina was on the rise. However, the lack of significant weight loss and muscle gain was disheartening. That's when I heard about high intensity interval training (HIIT) sprints from fellow runners and decided to give it a try.

Incorporating HIIT sprints into my routine involved training intensely for short bursts with minimal breaks. I began with a proper warm-up, including walking lunges and side lunges, followed by brisk walking and timed sprints. Starting with three sprints at 80% capacity helped me ease into the practice, and gradually, I increased the intensity and number of full-capacity sprints.

After four weeks of dedicated HIIT sprinting, I experienced remarkable improvements. I found myself enjoying workouts more than ever, as the short bursts of energy were more manageable and satisfying. My stamina improved, allowing me to run longer distances with greater ease. Additionally, I noticed a significant gain in my leg muscles, which kept me motivated to continue pushing my limits.

One of the unexpected benefits of HIIT sprints was the encouragement to run outdoors. Unlike treadmill workouts, outdoor sprinting allowed me to enjoy fresh air and scenic views, enhancing my overall exercise experience. Running outside made the intense sprints more enjoyable and mentally refreshing, contributing positively to my mental health.

Incorporating high intensity interval training sprints into my running routine has been a game-changer. Not only has it helped me overcome motivational challenges and break through fitness plateaus, but it has also made running more enjoyable and effective. With increased stamina, muscle gain, and the added benefit of outdoor exercise, HIIT sprints have truly elevated my running journey.