I look more like this, than like a "Real" weight lifter. SCRAWNY RUNNERS UNITE!
So, last night I had a 5 mile run lined up – per Hal Higdon’s plan. This is how the evening played out. (Did you notice the clever attempt at foreshadowing, reading you – the reader – to wonder if I did actually end up doing the 5 mile run? I’ve been working on my writing skills…)
I brought my kids over to the YMCA for the “how to not need a life guard to save you” class, and decided it was time to start adding weights into my routine. I had planned on doing this a couple of weeks ago, and thought about it for months before that – but I move slowly. I needed the proper timing (yeah! That’s it!), and last night was it. I decided on a nice chest/shoulders/triceps work out. “Back in the day” I used to enjoy lifting – and wasn’t to surprised to find out I still do. I did find out that compared to running, it is boring without a workout partner. (Wonder if lifting could be husband-wife “Bonding time”) Despite that, it was a fair (but not crippling) workout – I can move my arms/chest/shoulders today, but they are definitely sore.
After the swim lessons were over, we headed home and I headed out for a five mile run. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling it. The might have been a good thing however, as a quarter mile into it someone asked me about my Vibram Five Finger Bikilas. Since I wasn’t “into it,” I was more than happy tos top and chat! I talked with this nice couple for a few minutes about minimalist shoes in general (And VFFs specifically.) As a quick segue, It amazes me how many runners live within 1 block of me. We have no less than 8 marathoners (and I mean regularly do them, not one-shot marathoners) and twice that in “runners” in general – that do 5ks and the like. It seems like a very high percentage to me – but it is nice. Lots of “head nods” and camaraderie at our annual block party. Once my neighbors found out I was training for a marathon – it was an all new “in.” I was part of the club as a fellow runner – but apparently as a fellow (future) marathoner – I am even MORE in the club!
- GREATEST STUFF EVER!
But back to yesterday’s run – my achilles tendon on my left leg has been sore and it was definitely stiff at the beginning of the run. The KT Tape (wonderful stuff!) has helped it improve, and I was glad I had it on – the tendon did loosen up a mile or two into it. Weather-wise, it wasn’t to hot (a rather nice change)- although I found I may have already acclimated to carrying a water bottle with me. I missed it.
Not a bad workout-day, and far superior to doing a run on the treadmill. I am still working out what my weight lifting routine is going to be. I am tossing around MWF, alternating Chest, Shoulders and Triceps with Legs, Back and Biceps. I had also tossed around the idea of doing the same alternation but 4 or 5 days a week, or doing full circuit on MWF. Anyone out there add lifting to their regular running routine? What do you do?
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I run, because I am a runner. Having realized that I have always "been a runner" - even when I went years with out running, I am learning how it has integrated itself in all aspects of my life. When I started running in highschool, my perspective on life changed. Funny that I didn't realize how much it had affected it until just recently.
Once and Future Runner 
good job for adding the lifting to your program. i try to lift about twice a week when i can manage to get out of bed in time. ive found that the strength training i do on my legs really helps me feel stronger when im out a run. keep at it though. im sure itll feel a little weird at first, but you’ll begin to feel some extra strength in your runs soon. im sure of it. 🙂