I started this morning in my favorite way – running. My schedule has changed a bit due to Friday’s race. I ran today, leaving tomorrow as a rest day.
Total Distance: 4.0 miles
- Mile 1 – 8:47/mi
- Mile 2 – 8:34/mi
- Mile 3 – 8:29/mi
- Mile 4 – 8:43/mi
Total Time: 34:33
Average Pace: 8:38/mile
Running before breakfast always means I come home with a plan. This morning, my mom tossed a curveball my way.
She finished off the jar of Justin’s Chocolate Peanut Butter. I didn’t let that pitch slip past me! I quickly filled my cute little jar with sweet banana oats and strawberries…
…and proceeded to scrape it clean.
Oh yes, I did. Sweet, creamy breakfast madness! I loved every bit of this batch. In fact, it put me in such a good mood, I decided to tackle free weights. Did she just say free weights?!
You heard me right. I’ve written one too many posts about my lack of strength training, but I haven’t done a thing about it. I take to my mat for Pilates and yoga, keeping myself as far away from the weights as possible. I used to take Pure Muscle classes at the gym (their version of Body Pump). They were perfect for incorporating strength training into my routine, but the classes are too intense marathon training. It was time to come up with my own plan.
I walked to the gym, plan in place. I set up my space, cranked up the tunes, and worked myself into a sweaty mess!
Check it out!
- forearm plank, 60 seconds
- shoulder press, 10 reps – 10 lb. weights
- lunges, 15/leg – 5 lb. weights overhead
- 15 squats – 10 lb. weight
- 15 dead lifts – 5 lb. weights in each hand
- 30 bicycle crunches
- lower body Russian twist, 15 per side – This article from Runner’s World gives a clear description.
- scorpion, 30 seconds – I got this exercise from the same article as above…great for the core!
I moved through this circuit three times. Phew! It was a workout. I definitely need to build some upper body strength, but I felt great about adding some a strength circuit into my routine. The plan is to incorporate this circuit, or some adaptation of it, into my training 2x/week. I think this could work!
I made sure to refuel with some good protein after working with the weights.
Tasty snack! I combined cottage cheese, freshly chopped peaches, and some cinnamon. ‘Twas a nice mix!
OK – I am officially disgusting. I stink. I need to get my behind in the shower…NOW!
What is your favorite way to strength train?
