So now that 1/2 marathon training has finished, I feel a little lost. I have been following some sort of training plan since December. Back then, I started New Rules of Lifting, Strength 1. After that, training for my first 1/2 marathon Earth Day, started in January and took me until Saturday May 21st, for the Fargo 1/2. That’s a long time to not have to question what to do each day. I am definitely a person who needs a plan. Sure, I can do some form of exercise each day, but I find setting a goal of some sort keeps me from slacking and above all, getting bored.
The greatest feeling ever. The finish!
Here’s what’s going to keep me going fitness wise:
-I picked a 10k to try my hand at on June 18th. I am intrigued by this distance. The first 6 miles of both 1/2 marathons felt really good, so hopefully it suit me well.
-I signed up for a bit longer distance race in September, the Bear Water Run 10 mile. I really enjoyed the TC 10 mile last fall, but I don’t know if I want to play the waiting game to get in. It’s based on a lottery. And, I signed up to do the TC Marathon events 5k the day before. Not that I couldn't do both, but unfortunately race fee money doesn't grow on trees. I should find a sponsor. It’s okay to be laughing. I like to make jokes.
-As for strength training, I have been woefully neglecting it. My excuses are tri-fold. 1) I only have so much time in a day to workout and I had to devote it to running. 2) I didn't want to be sore for the final few days (okay it was weeks) for the halves I was running.* and 3) I haven’t been inspired by a fun looking plan lately. I want to find a dumbbell only or body weight routine that will compliment my running, not interfere with it.If I am completely honest with myself, I am happy with how my dedication to running has felt and how it has affected my body. That being said, I know how important strength training is and how important it is especially for women. We need healthy bones after all.
So, loyal readers…the question is, can you recommend a fun yet challenging strength training program that compliments running 25-30 miles a week that can be done at home?
*In all honesty, I think this was smart. I still was doing upper body work, but left the legs alone for a while.
