So, How’s Running Going + Let’s Talk about Cross Training
Good morning and happy Monday. Before I share my usual weekend recap, I wanted to pop in and talk about RUNNING, because this is a blog about running and fitness after all.
So, last time I updated you all, I was working through a hip flexor issue. This injury was frustrating because I didn’t know how I injured it and it took a long time to get better. After quite a few uncomfortable, short runs I decided to take a break from running (except run once a week to test it out) until it fully recovered. Years ago, I would have never done this, but multiple running injuries have taught me, if it keeps hurting- take time off! It’s better to take a few weeks off than months because you kept running on an injury!
Instead of running, for the past five or so weeks I’ve experimented with a lot of different workouts like, plyometrics, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, body weight circuits and more. Now, after my five week break or so from my normal runs, I’m finally back to running multiple times a week and pain free! Hallelujah!
As I shared before, I’m planning on running a marathon this fall, but before I dive into marathon training, I need to build my running base back up. I guess you could say I’m in pre-marathon training?
The good news is that I am able to comfortably run two to three miles without too much effort. Once I run those miles a few more times, I’ll start slowly building my mileage and adding speed. If there is anything that I’ve learned with running, it’s that going SLOW is okay. Whether that be running slow or building your running fitness/endurance slowly, it’s okay and actually, best. The worst thing I could do right now is to try to run a eight mile run at a 7:30 pace (like I used to) and get sidelined again because of injury. So, my goal for these next couple months is to build my speed/endurance/mileage back up week by week and continue running three to five times a week.
Running postpartum is different. My body isn’t the same as it was pre-Benaiah. I have to build my base back up. I’m a little more injury prone. My time is constrained.
But, I’m also stronger.
Since I was sidelined from running for the past couple weeks, I’ve switched gears and focused on strength training + body weight training. In just a few, short weeks I’ve seen a lot of progress and I’m physically stronger than I was even before Benaiah came. Cross training while running is so important, because a stronger body means better running and less injuries.
Back in the day, I used to focus only on cardio and rarely did any lifting, body weight training, etc. Now that I’m incorporating more strength training into my typical week routine, not only do my runs feel stronger, but my body does too. Win, win. Right?
Right now, my typical, weekly workout regime incorporates a mixture of body weight, weight lifting, yoga/Pilates and running. Adding these different practices not only makes me stronger, but also a better runner!
And with that, I’ll leave you! Catch you all tomorrow!
Questions of the Day
- What is your favorite way to cross train?
- If you had to pick one, what would it be? Yoga or Pilates?
- Any great tips for marathon training?