Operation Strength Train
I’m glad my motivation to run has returned. It’s rough in the winter, the cold is definitely not my friend and I love my bed even more than I normally do. I’ve been joining an Astoria run club called the Hellgate Road Runners for the past week and a half and it’s been really great! They are so welcoming, friendly, and they are FAST. They are the reason, I have gotten my butt out the door the past week and I’m so happy to feel back on track.
First night at Astoria run club, thanks to Kristin for the photo!
They meet 4 times a week and do a different workout each time. Mondays are hill workouts, Wednesdays are at the track, Thursdays are an easy 10k, and Saturdays are the long runs. I’ve been to each type of workout, except the long run and so far, I am loving it! I am pretty sure I am going to officially join the run club and make an effort to go 1 – 2 times a week.
I got my official schedule for marathon training from my lovely coach and I think I can make it work with the run club. I know I will be able to at least make it to the Thursday 10k and the long run on Saturdays. My track work is looking tricky and a little more complicated this time around, so I don’t think that will ever match up with what the run club does. And, did I mention they are a fast group of people? This is just what I need! Chasing people is key to getting faster, right?
Anyway, the run club has been super awesome and I’m so excited to get to know a few more people!
I know my running mojo is here to to stay, so I’m forcing myself to find some strength training motivation. I asked Lauren if she could help me out because she lifts pretty regularly and she clearly has the body to prove it. I enjoy strength training once I’m in the groove, but it’s so hard to actually start.
I’m challenging myself to do it 2 times a week! No excuses. Mondays and Thursdays are when I plan to do it and I will mostly be following this routine, posted by Lauren way back in the day. I need to buy a few more weights because all I have are 5 pound weights at home, so I am planning on getting at least a set of 10 lbs weights this weekend.
I did it for the first time yesterday and it was tough! It was manageable though, probably because I was only using 5 pound weights, but it’s a start. I am decently sore today, but not overly sore, which is good, since I have a 10 mile race on Sunday.
I’m feeling pretty soft lately and I do not like it. I want to feel in shape and I want to be strong. Sure, there is part of me that wants this for vanity reasons, but I also know regular strength training will for sure, help my running. A strong core and flat stomach is something I’ve never had and I want to work hard these next few months to achieve that.
This is a self proposed challenge and I am putting it out there in hopes it will keep me accountable. Care to join me? Do you suck at strength training, too? Check out Lauren’s post and lets do it twice a week together. It only took me 30 minutes, I think I can manage that twice a week!
I did take some measurements so I know where I stand. It shouldn’t be too hard to make some progress, because I have a ways to go and every little bit counts.
Do you strength train regularly?
Hmm, twice a week. I’m in.
Great routine! Tweet me reminders if you don’t hear from me please. I need a big push! 
Shew. Strength training. I love this…. But then I hate it. I know I need to start doing it because it helps to make you a better and fitter runner, not to mention less injury prone, but then I HATE weights. Challenge accepted
I’ve always been terrible at strength training during regular training. But like with my first of two 2012 injuries and core work, I got really good at doing regular weight lifting when I was sidelined for the second time. I’ve had 5 pound weights for years, but lifting has never been a priority just because frankly, it’s hard and boring haha. But looking at photos from my last marathon, I can tell by the way I’m sort of hunched over that my weak upper body is probably more fatigued than it should be. So I’m determined to be more diligent about strength work this year. I’m kind of intimidated by 10 pound weights, though! haha
i joined best body bootcamp for this reason alone. i needed to force myself to start a regular habit. week 1 is complete
Does pilates with weights count?!?!! Kettlebells? Okay, then I can call myself a casual strength trainer!
The Nike Training Club app is AMAZING for strength training. They have 15, 30 & 45 min exercises (even the 15 min workouts are exhausting)! I am loving Refine Method too. I am seeing results from the workout for sure!
Whoa that weight circuit is serious! I’m totally going to give it a try! Thanks for the tip, and I’m looking forward to following your blog from now on.
#opstrengthtrain done. I’m in. I am aiming to lift 2 times a week too. I was pretty consistent for the few months before the holidays, but have only managed 1 time a week for the last few weeks. Let’s keep each other accountable!!