I wanted to add something a little different to my summer exercise schedule. I’m so sick of running the same 5-mile route. Right out of my house, past Andover CC, to the set of lights and back. I’ve lived in my condo for over 3 years and I’ve probably done this 5-mile route over 150 times. It’s mind-numbing at this point. I can do it once per week, but that’s it! I suffer through the route every Tuesday, but I needed a change for Thursdays. I wanted to add some interval training into my routine, so this was the perfect opportunity.
I researched a few different workouts and settled on 800’s. There are 2 other interval training exercises that I will eventually wiggle into the the schedule, but first things first. One of the main reasons I decided to do 800’s is because it’s completely different than jogging a few miles. Most importantly, you don’t even run on the road. You run on the track! 800’s, to my understanding, are 2 fast laps and then 1 slow lap. Each lap around a track is 1/4 mile. For this exercise, you sprint 2 laps (1/2 mile) and then slow jog for a lap (1/4 mile).
One of the biggest reasons for interval training and speed-work is to obviously increase your speed and decrease your race finish times. I honestly do not care about either. I wanted a change of scenery, a change of pace and a different exercise to do some leg strengthening. I’ve done the 800’s three times now and so far, so good. They are tough. It’s a lot different than a nice, easy 5-mile jog around the neighborhood, let me tell you. Just ask Jacky, who decided to join me on the track. She puked.
Mike's Marathon Blog 
Mike, why don’t you cross-train on some trails in Andover? Philips Academy (Bird Sanctuary) and Goldsmith Woodlands are both flat and wide. No chance of getting hurt. Certainly a nice change of scenery!