Want to make your run smarter? Try the Mini x 400m challenge
A burst of speed, brainpower and some friendly competition? Yes, please
Runners: ever wanted to give your brain a workout on run day? Last week, runner and content creator Nick Flint of Tampa, Fla., did just that–combining his daily New York Times (NYT) Mini crossword with a 400m sprint. The result? A genius hybrid challenge that mixes speed, smarts and friendly rivalry.
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What is the NYT Mini?
“The Mini” is small, daily crossword puzzle published by the New York Times. It’s typically a baby-sized 5×5 grid (7×7 on Saturdays), quick to finish but still tricky enough to get your brain working. Unlike the full crossword (which requires a paid subscription), the Mini is free and displays a leaderboard with all the friends you’ve connected with–so you can see how you stack up.
How it works
- Start your watch timer at the same time as you start the crossword.
- Finish the crossword completely before logging any mileage–do not run while still filling out “The Mini.”
- Stop your watch after the run to see your total time.
- Keep score–over a week, or even a month–to make it tougher and more exciting.
If Strava teamed up with the NYT to launch a “Mini x 5K” challenge, it’d be an instant hit. But until that dream collab happens, you’ll have to create your own version–sharing times, tallying scores, and rallying up friends and teammates to join.
What makes this challenge so genius?
- It stops you from procrastinating. You can’t get your crossword done until it’s run time, so you’d better get after it earlier than later. (The NYT Mini often resets by 6 p.m.)
- It’s suitable for any run. Like Flint, you can do a 400m sprint (during a speed or strength workout or at the end of a run), or simply do the crossword before a faster 5K or your weekly long run.
- It makes your run more social. Competing with friends and talking strategy (or trash) can boost the social factor of your weekly training plan.
- It adds the perfect amount of pressure. Sometimes, you need that extra sense of urgency to motivate you to run and think fast.
