How Running Transformed Jenny Parinos' Routine
The Paralympic table tennis player details her daily training and explains the stamina and agility gains she achieved through running.
Paralympic table tennis player Jenny Parinos details her training regimen in Santos. She reveals how adding running to her routine eliminated physical fatigue during long table tennis matches.
Currently training in Santos after a stint at the Paralympic Center in São Paulo, table tennis player Jenny Parinos maintains a highly demanding routine that combines technical preparation, strength, and aerobic work. Her weekly plan integrates daily table drills, weight training sessions, and a running schedule spread across multiple days of the week.
Structure of table tennis and strength training
Jenny's technical routine includes table tennis training every afternoon, plus double sessions—morning and afternoon—on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Gym weight training takes place daily, while running is scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. With plans to transition into triathlon as well, the athlete also looks to incorporate cycling workouts into her routine.
At the table, work is divided by specific objectives. High-volume drills focus on footwork and motor consistency through continuous rallies without serves, such as eight-minute blocks alternating forehand and backhand strokes repeated around six times. The schedule also features serve-based rally drills for tactical simulation and match-only sessions on Fridays.
Fifth-set stamina and quickness at the table
Adding running to her routine had an immediate impact on Jenny's competitive endurance. Table tennis matches are played in a best-of-five sets format and usually last around 30 minutes, though they can stretch considerably against defensive opponents.
Before taking up running, the athlete reports reaching the fifth set out of breath and heavily fatigued, despite her high volume of daily sport-specific training. With the cardiorespiratory gains provided by running, excessive fatigue disappeared, while also improving her perceived reaction speed and agility during matches.