As I have started training for my next marathon I am still trying to incorporate strength workouts when I can. I’m no longer taking body pump classes because I feel like they are pretty tough on my body and take up a little more time than I would like. I’m trying to focus everything on running during this training cycle, which means cutting out some of the other stuff.
On the day of a short run I have been doing some kind of at-home strength workout. The one I am sharing today took me just over 20 minutes to complete. I think this is perfect for others like me who have gotten more busy as the school year started up! (Or for anyone who is trying to add a little bit of strength training into their routine without taking up too much extra time.)
In other news, I think I’m finally getting a little smarter with listening to my body and making smarter training decisions. As I noted in my training plan, Fridays (the day before my long run) would be meant for rest, swimming, or an easy run. Since I had been feeling so good through Thursday I planned to get out for a couple easy miles on Friday morning to shake out my legs from Thursday’s speed work. At some point in the middle of the night I woke up and realized I was sore from the 800s and decided to take a rest day on Friday. Instead of running I got an extra 30 minutes of sleep, did some core work, and hung out with my favorite foam roller. Hopefully smart decisions will pay off:)
Have a great Labor Day Weekend everyone!
What are you doing this weekend?
How do you incorporate strength workouts while training?
Are you good at taking a last minute rest day when you realize your body needs it?
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Love the quick routine, definitely something I need since I try to squeeze strength in while my kids shower and play in the bath!
I’m not good at impromptu rest days, because I start worrying about switching my schedule around but if it’s only a short run I’m more likely to be flexible. I’m about to go out for 16 miles and after being away this week I’m pretty exhausted, but postponing the run would only throw me off more I think. Hopefully it’s not a mistake!
That’s definitely true- I’m way more willing to skip a short easy run than a workout. Although sometimes it may be smarter to skip that harder workout if there’s good reason. Hope your long run went well!
This is great. I’m not the best at incorporating strength training at any time, but especially while marathon training. I love that I could easily do this in my apartment after a long day of teaching. And I am moving apartments this weekend. So that will kind of count as strength/cross training as I lug my stuff up and down stairs for a couple days 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Moving is absolutely a workout! Good luck with the move, and I hope you have a great weekend, too!
I’m pretty good at impromptu rest days since I feel guilty when I plan them, but if my body is telling me it needs rest then I feel like it’s justified.
Thats a good way to look at it, I just always worry that if I didn’t plan rest days I would never take them! And being the planner I am I typically need to know when i schedule all my workouts. But there is definitely something to be said for just listening to what your body needs each day!
i’m not even going back to school, but i love this! haha. quick and effecient
I figured it could be good for anyone who is busy! I know I will always come up with an excuse to skip strength training when I am focused on running all the time. When I tell myself I’ll just do a quick workout, it makes it much easier to get it done!
I really like the routine, especially as I also don’t seem to have any time for body pump classes. But lets be honest, strength training really isn’t a favourite – cardio girl here!
I’m pretty good at taking rest days when I need them because i’d rather miss a day of running now than have to take a lot longer off from giving myself an injury which could have been prevented. Either way it’s tough!
Yes I am cardio girl too! But I have learned how important it is to include some strength training, although balancing it all can be tricky!
Sounds like you are very smart about resting now to prevent injury later! That is my goal as well:)
I think that you should claim that the font is your handwriting. That would be impressive. This is a great workout because it hits all the necessary groups, and with weights added, it can be as easy (for mobility’s sake) or difficult (for strength) as you want it.
Haha I wish I could write like that! Yes- I don’t have many weight options at home so I tend to keep it lighter but still feel like its a decent workout.
That looks like a great strength training session. I have been adding 3 days of strength training as well. I get to work all Labor Day weekend! Yey….ugggh, not really! Hope you have a great long weekend!
3 days of strength is awesome! I guess if you count my core work as strength I kind of do that as well (but only use weights one day- the other days just body weight and bands).
Sorry you have to work all weekend! Hopefully you can still find some time to do something fun!
I will have to remember this, I haven’t done any strengthening exercises in a long time, and really need to change that!
Hope you like it if you give it a try!