Training Tip Tuesday: 5:150 Time

You knew it was inevitable: sooner or later (OK, perhaps too soon), I would have another post about running. You also probably knew it was inevitable I was going to mention Sammy Hagar in a post. So what about combining them? I KNEW you’d be thrilled.

I didn’t realize it until the other day, but I have a decent consecutive days run streak going. As of June 17th, I’m up to 57 straight days of running at least once a day for a few miles. (Yes, some days, I run twice.)

I have no idea if this is close to my record, as I’ve never considered it a goal (or smart) to run every day. But, I guess desperate times call for desperate measures?  Now, though, keeping the streak alive is an official goal, at least for the rest of the summer.

5150 Time and 5:150 Time

In the early ’80s, Sammy Hagar was my favorite solo rock artist. By the mid-80s, the rock group Van Halen had pulled even with Loverboy at the top of my favorite bands list.

Therefore, March 24, 1986, was a glorious day in history for me. It was the day Van Halen released 5150, their first album with Sammy Hagar as new lead singer.

Peanut butter + chocolate.

To this day, tracks from 5150 almost always find their way into marathon playlists.

In case you weren’t aware, the number 5150 is a police code for a crazy person on the loose, which brings me to 5150 Time and 5:150 Time. Sammy used to be fond of using the phrase “It’s 5150 time!”, meaning, of course, it is time to get crazy. Well, a major part of my run streak is the commitment to say to myself: “It’s 5:150 time!” This means it’s time to get crazy and run at 5:15 am.

Yes. A.M.

I’m pretty sure the few neighbors who happen to see the old guy with a headlamp running by say “Yep. He’s crazy.”

So, if you’re looking to start a fitness routine and can’t seem to make it happen during the day, try 5:150 time. 5:15 am this time of year is much better than a January New Year’s resolution 5:15 am. Unless you live down under, then just reverse what I just wrote.

My top three reasons for running early this time of year:

1. Beats the heat
2. Guaranteed at least one accomplishment for the day
3. Running shirtless in warm weather not only reduces laundry but extra glow helps with visibility

Thanks for reading,

 

 

PS. I don’t recommend running every day, as most bodies won’t hold up.

Also, if you’re a Sammy Hagar fan, and I realize most aren’t, I do recommend his new album, Space Between, with his band The Circle. It came out last month and is quite good. Sure, I’m a little biased, but the fact that Sammy is still working hard and producing new material at age 71 should be an inspiration to anyone.