Friday, February 3, 2012

On strength training

For the past 6-8 weeks I have become one of them...the gym people. Part of me still does not believe that. But it is true. I am looking forward to hitting the gym almost every night to, gasp, strength train. I admit my move toward strength training was rather forced. Back in December I saw a PT due to a stubborn pissy R quad. After the evaluation I was told that I had weak glutes and core. I was a bit surprised about the core issue. I honestly believed I had strong abs since I was actually able to see the muscles on mu stomach. I was however not surprised about the weak glutes issue...my butt was kinda going south. The PT told me that I have very strong hamstrings and quads, and that most likely due to sitting a lot (hm, one can't really do my job standing) and a running style that does not engage the core and the glutes, my hamstrings and quads had to work over time....

It has been 8 weeks since I started PT. Lucky for me I managed to continue running about 60-75 miles/week, but some of them on the Elliptical and all of them easy. I am just now getting back into a bit of speed as my body is 100% and some. I feel so strong. I can do planks, and squats on an upside down bosu holding a medicine ball, and deadlifts, and other exercises that I did not know existed 8 weeks ago. My body has never looked as good (OK, maybe pre Petru, but still!).
My butt is no longer heading south. I ran a few sprints the other day, at a speed that was on par to what I was doing before the injury, and I felt by abs working to lift up my knees, something that has never happened before. This is all really exciting for me, and I can't wait to see how my running will change because of correcting these imbalances. Just last week I started introducing some plyometrics, and have plans to start doing the routine below (starts at 4 min or so):



As far as general running goes, I am slow right now, of course. But, I am going to practice patience as I let someone wise guide me through this season's training. This will be an interesting experience since I am headstrong, very eager to get my speed back, and generally not used to being told what to do. The truth is, I am excited and so ready to go, go, go!

16 comments:

Jill said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

The strength training will make you speedier in the long run - keep being strong, it's what makes you you!

Jenn said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Gym people-ha! You sure have been smokin' it out in the gym. Super impressed by all you've been doing! So many benefits! You look hot, you feel hot, you're going to run like the wind and bust out PR's in every distance!!! Really, such a bummer in many ways to encounter any setback but this one has truly been a blessing for you. You've kept your head up, done everything in your power to get yourself strong and ready and I think when it's all said and done you will be MUCH faster by the end of 2012 having struggled with a pissy quad than if nothing had ever bothered....

I am really very patient myself. Not headstrong and I love being told what to do so I can't really relate to your last paragraph. Hope this is a perfect match and you find out MANY new things about the way you tick and how you run and what will take you to the next level! I'm as excited as YOU to see you go go go!

Amanda@runninghood said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Ah AM! So stinking excited for you. I feel stronger just reading this post! :) So much strong here. mind, body, spirit. Can't wait to see you freaking go with this! I need to do more strength too and I am looking forward to having this summer to do that . ha ha, about Jenn's comment at the end. :)

Michelle Simmons said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I had a feeling you were going to hire Lucho! Be diligent. And patient. :)

Nicole W. said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh my word, I feel SO lazy after watching that video! I watch all 9minutes. I really could never be a pro..lol

mfranks said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Slow now but the added strength will be a bonus later. Running is a combination of speed and power, you are working on the power part. The speed will come later.

Nice work- M.

Petraruns said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

This is GREAT news! How often are you going to the gym? And are you doing full-body stuff? Really interesting - would love to hear more.

I hear you on the patience etc. issues - have little of it myself but when I work at it it pays off...

Your running will come back stronger than before - I am SURE of it!

Raina said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Ah, AM! You are feeling STRONG. This is good and NOT a surprise at ALL to me. Your work ethic- you could be a gym pro as well if you set your heart on it!

I need a chance to see the full shalane video- can't FFWD to to your routine for some reason.

Interesting about the core weakness. Just not something I would have guessed about you. Makes me wonder also what would happen if I got assessed like that!

Really looking forward to seeing what happens as you begin to rebuild your speed. WATCH OUT!

mmmonyka said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hiring Lucho was an awesome idea!!! You will have great guidance to help you reach your goals. Plus he will keep you in check:)

Katie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

So funny that you're running 60-75 miles a week while in PT! With a solid base, the speed comes back really fast. I'm sure the strength training will help too. And a coach will be awesome. I often miss having a coach and I'm also head strong and rarely do what I'm told...I can't wait to see you kick butt!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I am so happy to hear all this! I've always been a gym person at heart. I really can't wait to see how all of this new strenght will pay off in your running. Honestely, I was shocked that you didn't really do any of this before since you seemed so strong.

And never judge a ab by it's cover.... I've seen alot of thin females with muscles showing. It doesn't necesarily mean they are strong. I did a plank off with my running group one night and stayed up longer than anybody - 5+ minutes(except for one guy who was practically in tears - as was I). I was so surprised to see some of the thinner lighter girls (who had muscles poking out everyewhere) were some of the weakest.

Your going to be unstoppable!

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

@runforwine - yes, I agree!

Lindsay said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

hmm i thought i had already commented on this but i guess i didn't! i have a hard time believing there is anything on you that could sag (/head south)... but i am glad you are seeing results with your strength training and PT work.

i was confused at first by "pepe". lol. how fun that petru has a blog! :)

Happy Feet 26.2 said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

the Supreme90 day that I did last summer/fall/part of winter help me a lot. I've been slacking the past several wks, but need to jump right back in. Thanks for the motivation to do that.

This will help you! It will for sure! Can't wait to hear about the results.

Happy Feet 26.2 said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

hello AM - would you please contact me at g dufrene 350 at g mail dot com ? I have a ? for you.

Jennifer Harrison said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

GOOD luck with your new coach! Be patient is right!