Last week was all about doing different types of at-home workouts. I tried out various strength training exercises, pilates, yoga, and barre DVDs/videos. I ended up being quite sore, and as a result only ran 1 day last week. At first I felt like I “should” have run more, but then I remembered that my marathon was less than 2 weeks ago and a break is good. Also, we had some rainy days early in the week and then it was cold and windy, so I didn’t mind staying indoors a bit more than usual.
Monday: I started out the week with a 35 mile Pure Barre DVD (this one) which was a good way to start working my core and glutes again. Even though I did core work during marathon training I think that following a video pushes me a bit harder than I typically push myself.
Tuesday: This was the first day of December and I decided to follow along with Kinetic Revolution’s #RunStrongChallenge this month. Each day there are 2 exercises posted on instagram, and they only take about 10 minutes to complete. After completing the exercises for Day 1 I did a 25 minute yoga video.
Wednesday: I signed up for a 10 day free trial of Pilateology, so after the two strength exercises of the day I found a beginner video to help me get familiar with the basics of pilates. I definitely felt it in my core!
Thursday: I decided to bring back the Iron Strength workout which I haven’t done since August, and it was such a challenge! I mean it is tough every time I do it but having not done anything that hard in a while I found that most of the exercises left me shaking. Luckily the Run Strong Challenge was a little easier today so I was able to finish up with sumo squats and an active hamstring stretch.
Friday: I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for a workout, but I was feeling a little sore from Iron Strength the day before. I completed the Run Strong Challenge exercises and the did the leg section of my Pilates for Runners DVD. (There are lots of side leg lifts that really burn!) Then I headed out for a 25 minute run, just because I felt like it.
Saturday: Rest- DOMS had set in from Iron Strength and I felt it in just about every muscle!
Sunday: Run Strong Challenge Exercises (I did days 5 and 6 to catch up) and then a 35 minute yoga video for stretching.
It felt good to be a little sore from these kinds of workouts. I definitely want to continue doing Iron Strength once a week for the next month or so, at least. Other than that, I plan to continue rotating in some of these other types of workouts while keeping the running to a minimum.
What was the last workout that left you really sore?
Are you participating in any workout challenges this month?
Linking up with HoHoRunsOpens in a new window and MissSippiPiddlinOpens in a new window for the weekly wrap!
Iron strength will totally work you out! My newest cross training is crutches 😀
You will get super strong arms from walking around on crutches all the time!
Pure Barre always works me hard and burns every time but rarely leaves me sore. However, those new 10 minute workouts, especially the seat and thigh workouts, are so killer that I have a feeling I will be sore tomorrow!
I did the “total body” one this morning and I really felt it in my abs! It moves quickly and we definitely get alot done in those 10 minutes!
Oh, Pilates! I took a class a couple of weeks ago and definitely felt it in my core the next day. I don’t really have time to go to the class on a consistent basis (or maybe I’m just not making time…hm) but I can definitely see the appeal/benefits!
I know that I avoid pilates because I find it really challenging. But it really is a great workout!
I need to try Iron Strength because I keep hearing so many people say it’s such a challenging workout. No official workout challenge this month, but I start training next week and sticking to a plan over the holidays always is a challenge!
Iron Strength is great but not sure if I would recommend it while you are training for a race. Maybe a modified version though!
I have the Iron Strength workout too and it is actually crazy challenging. I remember watching the video and thinking okay one legged squats are crazy hard but she makes it look pretty easy so I’ll try it.
I am doing a lot of strength research. I bought a few books and I’m working my way through them. But you did a lot this week. Good job!
Thanks! That is great that you are doing research about strength training!
I am so not strong right now after being sick! I guess yoga really was helping because my arms look and feel like sticks now. I’m curious about pure barre!
I always feel so weak after being sick- I think its a combo of not eating as much and not working out!
It’s funny how we can go out and run and feel no different (for the most part). But when we start doing other workouts we are not used to get, we get sore. A good feeling bc we are working different muscle groups.
I know! But like you said, its a good change to work some different muscles.
I might try that free trial as well! Looks awesome.
I hope you like it!
I started back up with my CrossFit coach last week, and I’m still feeling the effects of that workout. She’s got me in another strength cycle, and she’s mixing it up for me this time. I did deadlifts at 70% of my max (ouch!) and she’s got me doing cleans/front squats. It’s tough, and my hip flexors are talking to me.
Oh wow, that sounds tough! But I definitely think its a good thing to take a break from running and work on getting strong!
Any kind of strength training leaves me sore, since I have a tendency to neglect it when I’m focusing more on running. I really want to try Pure Barre though!
Pure Barre is a great workout- you should definitely give it a try!
You got in a great variety of workouts last week, that’s great! I am not doing any workout challenges this month. I do have a personal goal to just keep consistent with my weekly runs (5-6 days per week) while also doing yoga for runners which has been a great workout and left me sore!
That’s great! Is yoga for runners a specific workout/dvd/etc? I am always looking for great ways to include more yoga into my routine:)
After focusing on running for so many months it’s kind of nice to mix it up! It’s always a rude awakening though when I get so sore from the strength training. Ha, when I was home for Thanksgiving and did a few strength classes I could hardly walk for 4 days!
I couldn’t believe how sore I was from Iron Strength! I know that over the summer i was able to do it and feel fine, so I definitely need to get used to it again.
Iron strength sounds good. I’ll check it out. The last workout I did that left me sore? Ha ha well about 3 weeks ago I did a plank for as long as I could: 4 min and 30 seconds and then for the next few days I could barely move. Ha ha.
Wow thats a long plank! I feel like I can’t hold a plank for long enough to actually get sore from it, if that makes sense.
I can definitely identify with enjoying strength and less running- it’s been a nice change of pace for me lately, too. Great week of workouts!
Its definitely been nice to add variety and only run when I really want to!
Since I’ve seen you and other bloggers posting about the Kinetic challenge, I decided to do them too. I’m grouping days together to have a good workout on each of my strength training days.
Thats great! I hope you enjoy it!
Doesn’t it feel so weird to not run as much then remember that’s totally ok? I’ve been hitting the weights hard and getting so sore. Although today I’m much less sore than I was last week. Progress.
It’s a tough transition mentally! I’m trying not to “plan” out my week too much and rather just do what feels right. But I am amazed at home much these other workouts are tiring me out!
I am the world’s worst about doing exercises like this. I know I should, but… And I once was queen of the Kathy Smith videos too. I just need to find something that interests me. It’s good to take a break from running, but you are definitely not slacking! I appreciate you linking with us Lisa! Have a great week.
It’s just so much easier and more enjoyable to run! But I know this stuff is important, so I am trying to make the most of some time away from running and make it as enjoyable as possible:)
I am so impressed you have been killing your strength training workouts so soon after your marathon too! Great work. My trainer teaches Pilates but I have yet to go to her class. She gives me a pretty good workout during our sessions. I can tell I haven’t been to her in two weeks, struggled a little today. I’ll be sore tomorrow but I’m glad to be back in a routine! The last time was in one of her workouts mostly arms now we have backed off legs and weights since I’m marathon training. I think after my spring races I’ll up my weights and try to add more muscle, try anyway. Thanks for linking up with us, I always enjoy your posts.
Pilates is such a tough workout, Im not sure if I could handle a live class! I think getting a little sore is a good thing:)
I don’t do nearly enough strength training. I did a plank challenge a while back. I need to get back to doing planks daily. Our local fleet feet has offered some Pure Barre classes. I’m curious about it. Great job with your strength training so soon after your marathon!
Plank challenges are great! I was slacking off on planks but now that i have been doing these other workouts they are back in my routine:)
The Iron Strength workout is so hard!!! I haven’t done it in a while, but this reminds me I really should start incorporating plyo exercises into my routine again, which I used to try to do. The Run Strong Challenge and the trial of the the Pilates both sound awesome and like something I’d like. I may have to look into that challenge. Thanks for mentioning it!
I hope you look into the Run Strong Challenge! You could totally pick up whenever or go back and do some of the exercises you missed. I’m also planning to post some other online workouts tomorrow, so check back if you are interested!