ANGIEMRC
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Finding Balance...heavy weights and running...any advice?

Monday, January 28, 2013

I love running and I love lifting. The two don't normally go together well. I have found that if I want to run distance, then my lifting lacks...and vice versa.

I'm trying to find a happy middle. I'm not running anything over half marathons (yea, I know...I said 10, but what's 3 more?) And I really want to start lifting heavy again. I enjoy being strong. I never had any desire to be skinny, just strong and healthy.

Does anyone else run and lift? Any hints on running and lifting big? I could use any advice on workout routines too. I'm excited to start lifting big again...starts tomorrow, the hubs is spotting me :)
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  • KIMCOLLINGS
    Awesome! I love to run and lift too. I rotate them so they aren't on the same day usually (on the few occassions I do them on the same day I skip legs during ST). I usually run Sat, Sun, and try to get Wed in too. I try to get to the gym 2 of the days left (Tues and Fri optimally for muscle rest).

    Lifting heavy is awesome. There's so much more progress made! When I do weights it's fast....about 20 minutes, but it's very intense. I do 3-4 exercises:

    -3 sets of the bench press where I can just get 5 or 6 reps;
    -3 sets of assisted pull ups (someday an unassisted one) 5-6 reps each;
    -3 sets of squats or leg press - where I can just get 5 to 6 reps
    -3 sets of deadlifts sometimes. They get the whole body.

    It doesn't sound like much, but if you're doing all you can to get those reps you feel it and you'll add more weight to the bar quickly. I always warm up first and use absolutely proper form. If I can't get the last rep out without proper form I'll stop that set. Really important when working with heavy weights to prevent injury.

    Anyway, hope to see some blogs on how your workouts are going. Love that you have a built in spotter! Awesome!!!!

    emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon
    1908 days ago

    Comment edited on: 1/30/2013 12:53:58 PM
  • ANGIEMRC
    Thank you both very much! Hans (nice name, btw :) ) I do appreciate your comment because I experienced the same thing. I had to choose. If I have to choose again then I will choose running too. It's my therapy.

    DISP715, I agree. I'm going to try to do both and see what happens. I do need to get in some yoga-thank you for the reminder. :) Thank you for your condolences. The past few months have been rough, but I know the best thing I can do is to take care of myself. Thank you so much! :) emoticon
    1909 days ago
  • HANSBRINK
    This is my experience from years ago. I ran 10K's, halves and a few marathons. I tried lifting heavy (for me), but found I couldn't lift heavy and run at a decent pace. There wasn't enough recovery in my legs and my times dropped. I opted to focus on running since I enjoyed it more than lifting.

    I kept up with light weights and what is now refereed to as core. Lots of stretching.

    Know that you asked for advice from people who have successfully done both. I hope you find someone who has that can guide you.
    1910 days ago
  • DISP715
    Could you lift on your light running/off running days?? No reason you can't do both. I also like to get one day a week in of yoga. Good luck, you sound super motivated. BTW, so sorry to hear about your sister. HUGS!
    1910 days ago

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