Running without purpose is boring.
"But Doc, I'm running to improve my cardiovascular fitness and improve my stamin - Doc?"
"I'm sorry, dropped off there. You may go now, fabricated treadmill drone."
"Thanks Doc."
"Get out."
There are plenty of sports that liven up running by
having something to run towards (hoop, goal, finish line) but I can't think of any wherein the focus is running away from something.
It's a shame, because this is frequently the more important life skill. Think about it: what do you run to catch? Bus, Tube, ice cream van. Bah! Trivialities!
Now consider what you run away from: bears, the Law, lava, killer bees, responsibilities. I think I've made my point.
So, the Frenetic Pursuit workout. 'Tis very simple, all you need is an urban environment, preferably crowded, and a partner.
The chaser gives the chasee 5 seconds headstart (more than it seems) and then follows in a madcap full-bore pursuit under, over and through everything the street has to offer.
The workout ends when the chasee is caught or when the pre-designated time limit elapses.
The FP workout has the following advantages over traditional offerings in the field:
-No pansying around with low intensity exercise. This is a sprint that could last 30 minutes, and will yield results to match.
-No two work-outs are the same. One day the chaser might claim victory after a failed car bonnet slide manoeuvre allows them to make the catch, the next time a cartwheel over a park bench might put the chasee in the clear.
-Promotes quick reflexes and agility in addition to the benefits of CV exercise.
-Keeps the mind working ("Slide around the old lady, grab the railing, swing, roll, jump over the pram!") as opposed to quietly dissolving in front of MTV Base or some such drivel whilst on the treadmill.
- Looks damn cool. You're the stars of your very own action movie. Add frantic screams of "Stop him - he has the jewelled monkey!" and so forth to taste (nb. crying "rape/terrorist" is cheating).