Is it already time for another Run It Wednesday post? Apparently. I have barely recovered from my Thanksgiving hangover but I’m ready and willing to talk about weights and workouts I love that make me a stronger and more competitive runner and triathlete! And, as usual, if you don’t like my workouts you can choose from five others below from trusted friends and experienced runners.
Let’s get started…
This season I have made strength training a priority. My coach and I agree that it is the missing link and must be included two days per week in my already crowded training schedule. I have joined CrossFit (which I think is a great option for runners and triathletes!) and have purchased a strength training plan in my Training Peaks application.
I have been doing the strength training workouts now for about a month and they are absolutely making a difference. I know most runners and triathletes don’t want to do anything but swim, bike and run but that is foolish. I know because I used to be one of those athletes! Especially as I age, I know how important it is to not only strength train but to do it specifically for the sport you are engaged in — in this case running and triathlon. Even science backs it up.
So far, my “favorite” (meaning the best sport specific workout for running/triathlon) is this one:
Body Weight Lateral Lunge x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/OKuGEy8AqN4
Body Weight Anterior Lunge x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/Hyyef3aIDtA
Body Weight Posterior Lunge x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/maQYbf_mX4A
Body Weight Lateral Lunge with Reach x 10 each side
https://youtu.be/UAksnjbwQyw
Body Weight Anterior Lunge with Reach x 10 each side
https://youtu.be/pXKNTb32B1c
Body Weight Posterior Lunge with Reach x 10 each side
https://youtu.be/RQXkiP9mUgs
Medium Weight Lateral Lunge to Stability 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/uSyeSz5rjzI
Medium Weight Posterior Lunge to Stability 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/JAStpbCefog
Medium Weight Single Leg Squat and Reach to 3 Targets (Right – Center – Left) 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/_6WH6Nlt0ZE
Medium Weight Single Leg Single Arm Overhead Press 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/aqsauP9zpmE
Medium Weight Single Arm Split Stance Cable Row 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/RUNQeVyBuug
Medium Weight Step Up 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/mvqIBylU6rI
Medium Weight Single Arm Cable Chest Press 2 x 15 each side
https://youtu.be/3dHy5BxhNCo
Body Weight Upper Body Step Up 10 each arm
https://youtu.be/D1Fokia4H2A
Prone Plank 2 x 1 minute
https://youtu.be/S2BKeJ_hFPY
Side Plank 2 x 30 seconds each side
https://youtu.be/yU5VVizf0vI
And you’re welcome for all the links to the YouTube video demonstrations. I know I needed to click on a few and the visual is tremendously helpful!
ANGELA | HAPPY FIT MAMA
LAURA | THIS RUNNER’S RECIPES
SARAH | RUN FAR GIRL
CARLY | FINE FIT DAY
SANDRA | ORGANIC RUNNER MOM
[Tweet “Favorite strength #workouts from the #runners who do them! #RunIt #Train4Life”]
Do you have a favorite strength workout or does that seem like a stupid question?
Which of these would you most likely do?
You know I’m all about that strength…
Oooohhh, I really like the upper body moves in your workout!I’m so bad at upper body work – I need to start doing that again and I’m going to use your workout as inspiration!
I love joining up with you ladies! And to learn some new badass strength moves from you is awesome!
You know I love my strength workouts. Its basically all I do these days, though I’m starting to be able to run/walk to the gym. Progress!
ok, i realize the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. well, i’m here to admit insanity. i’ve been training for full marathons since 2011 and every single year at this time i’ve been on the sidelines with an injury… why? i’m sure it’s the lack of strength training. i could get away with so much more when i was younger, but i was already dealing with a faulty deck of cards from the beginning. the reality is my body machine is unique and i can’t just run like it’s not big deal. i have to train with purpose if i want to run anything over a 10K maybe even 5K, let’s be real. i love to run and just run for fun, but always get bitten by the speed bug and want to crush my 1:44 half pr, then start feeling good, and suddenly i’m running all over and feeling invincible. of course i don’t give myself time for strength because i’m stupid! and then here i land, injured and wondering why me.
i think the answer is if i want to run for fun that’s fine, but but i’m going to have to consider strength training for real. i think i need to start making a habit of working with weights – the slowness and patience required is what kills me, and it’s exactly what i need. i know it.
getting older and wiser doesn’t have to suck if i can just accept it and move forward.
i’m not totally strength training yet, but have made friends again with the stair climber. this machine of suck is my gateway to the next life with strength training… baby steps for me as always 🙂
thanks for the great workout ideas. i’m sure i will love them after i sit and watch all the 142 demo links LOL
Once you make the commitment to strength train, you know all those nagging injuries will subside. But, trust me, I know how hard it is to carve out time for something that seems more like taking medicine than working out. You have so much on your plate, I would go with “acceptance” and “fun runs!”