Yep--another running question

[elsie3]

I was intrigued by Jenn's (jdimascio) reply in the AskCathe Forum. I think running 2 days a week would be ideal for my body. I am trying to improve my speed, and wasn't sure if I could do that with 1 long run and 1 shorter but faster run a week.

My body just seems to do so much better with a lot of cross training. I know my body can't handle running every day any more. I was trying to do a 3 run per week schedule and still doing STS and cycling. My legs felt like they could never recover adequately. If I drop other cardio in favor of just running, the fatigue isn't any better. But I really believe that Plyo and HiiT have helped my running. I've never gotten injured from doing any Cathe workout, not matter how intense or how hard I've pushed--including adding extra cardio. But I do flirt with injury (hamstring pull) when I run more than twice a week. Long runs don't bother me, but speed work is being really hard on my legs. Is it just a matter of working up?

So, when Jenn said she was improving her times with running 2x/week . . . well, that got my attention.

 

[RapidBreath]

I think it is a matter of working up also I'm concerned that your post workout stretch is insufficient. Have you tried doing a stretch max after your run?

 

[elsie3]

I think it is a matter of working up also I'm concerned that your post workout stretch is insufficient. Have you tried doing a stretch max after your run?

Thanks for your reply. I do a thorough stretch, but I think I added too much speed work too soon. It was the strides and sprints that really seemed to get my hamstring. I decided I wouldn't focus on speed until I finished this round of STS. I'm on week 4 of Meso 2. It's my right hamstring that is bothering me (I think I had a slight pull and have been very careful with it), and I figure it will be good to go at the end of Meso 3.

I guess what I'm really wondering is if I can do 2 runs/week and still improve my speed.

 

[jdimascio]

I used to run 10 miles a day...I knew it kept the weight off so I felt comfortable doing that everyday (6 days a week). And what I mean by that, is that it kept me lean, it didn't improve my running, but it helped guarantee no weight gain for me. I realized this was stupid, especially since I was using the same muscles over and over. And to tell you the truth, I still had a big butt. I was a decent running, but I got better when I started adding consistent resistance training and cross training. Plyometrics or Hitt once a week will help improve your speed, even adding Kickboxing will help your core, which you use when running. I love step, so I like doing that once a week too...if I can.

I am almost 39, and I win races. Small/local races, but I am winning. Not saying that's important, but I am also getting new PRs.

So, this is what I do, Weight train on MWF, I usually do some kind of cardio on those days, but I don't run....and they can be 30-45 minutes long whatever that may be (mix it up). On Tuesdays I run 6 miles, and on Saturdays I try to run 10. If I am training for something like a marathon, Saturdays become my long run days. I do try to add Yoga once a week too..usually on Thursdays. I hope this helps and that you find some balance with your workouts. By running twice a week it allows you to keep up with your running endurance. Good luck!! Let me know if you have any questions. I am currently injured, so I am dying to get back out to run.

 

[elsie3]

So, this is what I do, Weight train on MWF, I usually do some kind of cardio on those days, but I don't run....and they can be 30-45 minutes long whatever that may be (mix it up). On Tuesdays I run 6 miles, and on Saturdays I try to run 10. If I am training for something like a marathon, Saturdays become my long run days. I do try to add Yoga once a week too..usually on Thursdays. I hope this helps and that you find some balance with your workouts. By running twice a week it allows you to keep up with your running endurance. Good luck!! Let me know if you have any questions. I am currently injured, so I am dying to get back out to run.

Thanks so much Jenn--this is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I think it will really work for me.

 

[jdimascio]

I am so happy I was able to help. Please keep me posted of your progress!!