As I may have mentioned, I have been attending a 1 hour strength training class every Wednesday since the first week in October. When I first started, it was something new to try. I knew that my core and girdle were weak, and I figured, what better way to work on that in the off season?
So. One hour. Once a week.
Not to belittle the class at all - I sweat my ASS off in that class, and shake and grunt and sometimes I CAN'T do what he wants us to do.
But really? It's only once a week.
I figured it couldn't hurt my running, right? I mean, other than being a little sore in the couple days after class. It might even help a little.
It might even help A LOT.
Seriously, in the last month, not even 2 months after starting the class, I can COMPLETELY feel it in how I run. I have more speed. More endurance.
I FREAKING RUN BETTER BECAUSE OF A ONCE A WEEK STRENGTH CLASS.
On Saturday morning, I set out for at least 8. The skies were ominous and it was supposed to rain all day long, but it was unseasonably warm, with temps in the 50s. I drove to my favorite spot and set out. It was supposed to be a longish run, so I was keeping the pace easy, but running by feel, not looking at my watch.
Just after mile 4, I turned back around, just in case the skies opened up. But it was still not raining when I got closer to my car, so I took a side trail and tacked on another couple miles. When I got back to the car, I was so close to 10 that I turned around to run the little it'd take to get there. The whole time, I was feeling good. Strong. Easy.
Imagine my surprise when I uploaded my workout! My splits were 10:52, 10:40, 10:18, 10:20, 10:13, 10:36, 10:13, 10:04, 10:04, 10:22. My fastest miles were 8 and 9. I freaking negative split a 10 mile run.
And the amazing thing isn't that I did that. The amazing thing is that it DIDN'T feel like work.
At all.
I'm a believer...
I love love love love strength training. I am so sad my hip isn't letting me lift the way I want. I agree, it will make you a much stronger runner! Glad to see even the once a week class is making such a difference for you.
ReplyDeleteawesome job! that's the best thing about running - even though it sucks sometimes, its those awesome runs that keep us going :)
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic. :) I was faithfully strength training this summer until hurting my shoulder in a fall. I need to get back to it.
ReplyDeleteWay to rock that 10 miler!
Yay! Strength training. Yeah, that's next on my agenda.
ReplyDeleteyou make me want to find a class like that!!!! until then I should really make a better effort at the gym..problem is I dont like strenght training...but your post is motivation for me!
ReplyDeleteStrength training is better than cross training for runners. You made a great choice. You can also do a workout at home without having to purchase anything. Just incorporate push ups into your ab workouts (assuming you are doing them - if not, start doing some planks and bridges). Keep up the good work and you'll be sub ten-ing it in no time!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Strength training is so important when it comes to running. Great job and keep it up
ReplyDeleteIt's a whole other beast isn't it? So glad to hear it's working for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm.....I keep MEANING to strength train....then I dont. I will have to do better because it sounds like it works.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done any type of organized class since college. I'll have to reconsider that based on your recommendation. Sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteI just love reading posts like this....it absolutely reminds us all just how amazing the "good" runs are (Lord knows there are enough of them that just aren't). Amazing run !!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are taking the class and loving the results! It really does help! I think that is why I haven't had any injuries this year. I hope you can continue to go in Dec :)
ReplyDeleteThis post had just reminded me I have not done a jot of strength for WEEKS! and you have positively motivated me to pick it up again. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love having athletic breakthroughs like the one you had with strength-running. I remember playing soccer in high school and I HATED when they'd make us run a mile to warm up. I'd complain the entire time. Fast forward to a few years after college. I'd been a runner for a few years by that point and I joined a co-ed competitive soccer team. I was SHOCKED how much better my soccer game was now that I was running 3-5 miles a few times each week. Utterly floored! hahaha.
ReplyDeleteWow Bobbi! I live for the day when running 10 miles is fun and I feel great afterwards. Strength training is definitely on my 2012 goal list. I do truly believe it does help with running.
ReplyDeleteYou rock!!
Dang, Bobbi, you are on FIRE! This almost makes me want to get up and do lunges. Almost. lol
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a good weekend for 10-milers. :) Mine went pretty well too. Not as well as YOURS but good for me!
Woohoo, that's awesome! Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat job sissy! So proud of you!
ReplyDeleteI need to keep reading post like yours. I must get my brain to actually follow what I know is true! The complusion to run is strong. Yes, I'm Shelly and I AM a running addict!
ReplyDeleteNice! I love reading your posts. That Kool Aid you drank sounds very tasty!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome! And so motivating to keep up the solid work :) I'm thinking maybe it's time to incorporate some of that stuff myself ;-)
ReplyDeleteSigh. You just confirmed my worst fears. Crap.
ReplyDeleteFound you through Healthy Strides blog, and boy am I glad that I did!!!! Girl, you have no idea how AWESOME it is to read this post RIGHT NOW! I'm taking my running and fitness and life in a different direction for 2012 with a focus on strength training and cross training in hopes of it helping my run faster. Oh man, I'm THRILLED to hear that you've noticed a difference. I started a boot camp class on Monday and I'm so sore I can't even bend over 6" so hearing that you've seen results makes all this soreness so incredibly worth it!!! Thanks! I'm going to continue to read your blog - biggest new fan :)
ReplyDeletebe-amazing.net
sounds like a great class! whatever it takes to get stronger, right. nice job!
ReplyDeletethis is just what i need to read... i've got to get back in the gym and stop just running.
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