Cathe with Marathon Training?

[PaulaMR]

I just completed the Nike Women's Marathon after 4.5 months of training. But as a long time Cathlete, I miss my Cathe workouts! I plan on running in the L.A. Marathon in March, but would like to incorporate more Cathe workouts in my training regimen this time around.

I am thinking about running 3-4 times per week, with one long run on Saturday. The other 2-3 days per week would be focused on Cathe workouts. So what DVDs would you recommend that would complement my running regimen? I want to make sure that I incorporate enough cross/strength training to build endurance, speed and overall fitness for race day, without becoming overly fatigued!

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Paula

 

[elsie3]

I am thinking about running 3-4 times per week, with one long run on Saturday. The other 2-3 days per week would be focused on Cathe workouts. So what DVDs would you recommend that would complement my running regimen? I want to make sure that I incorporate enough cross/strength training to build endurance, speed and overall fitness for race day, without becoming overly fatigued!

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Paula

I also need the answer to this question. Thanks for posting, Paula. I'm having trouble finding the right balance in my workouts to enhance running performance without over-doing it.

 

[fitat44]

I love Cathe and marathon training together. My marathon PR came when I really stayed with the program. I am running my 5th marathon in two weeks and haven't had time for alot of weight training so I am keeping my fingers crossed. When I am training I run 3 days a week and cross train on the bike 2 days a week. On the biking days I do Cathe upper body and on a day with no cardio I do Cathe lower body or plyo. I like to lift heavy but during training I lift more for endurance and core to get those muscles ready to go long. I also only lift for 15-20 minutes so I am not exhausted. On the day when I am not lifting, biking or running, I stretch or do yoga or rest.

 

[banslug]

I have to pretty much totally agree with Fitat44. What I like to do with lower body Cathe workouts, is do the ones I love, as produced, but go lighter and concentrate on form and really reeeaaallly contracting the specific muscle. For instance, yesterday I did PLB and went lighter than I normally would, but really paid close attention to form (pushing up thru my heals on squats, squeezing hams/butt on the up part of the deadlifts, etc). And ball/floor work? TO DIE for when your training runs start to take up the majority of your workout time.

Recently, I've adding biking in and now sub a bike ride for at least ONE run per week. Today I biked almost 14 miles instead of hitting the road with my feet. My running has really improved just in the last 6-8 weeks that I've added in cycling (not spin, mind you, but BIKING ON THE ROAD). Talk about great quad cross training!

 

[cindi1]

Thanks for the replies - I was wondering how others do this. I had good luck a couple years ago training for a half doing p90x weights 3 days a week and running 3 days a week - if I were doing that now, I would try meso 1 with running.

I wondered about marathon training.

 

[jdimascio]

I think what you just need to make sure is to maintain at least one run during the week that is about an hour, and then one longer one (this one being the one that you gradually increase each week until 1-2 weeks before your marathon). I have done P90X and other weight lifting programs while training for a marathon. it can be done and I truly believe that mixing it up will help with your runs (and race). Adding a Hiit or Plyo workout once a week will really help with your marathon training too. I have done a few marathons, took 10 years off, did 2 more and dropped 16 minutes off of my PR by running less, and adding more variety.

 

[Mckmain]

I completely agree with Jenn. I have run 16 marathons and always lifted during my training. I do think that Plyo/Imax/Hiit workouts once a week during training will for sure help with building up your speed. Upper body weight work will help so much for those last miles of a marathon to keep you strong. I have done STS, GS, P90X and most all of Cathe's other weight workous during training. I cut back my heavy lower body weight training about 4-6 weeks before the marathon. I still do some endurance lower until about 3 weeks before the marathon. Upper body most of the time until about 2 weeks before the marathon. I also cross-train with Kickbox once a week. For marathon training I run 4-5 times a week and for long runs I do 2 20's and 1 22...

 

[PaulaMR]

Wow, Jenn, you rock! Your times are AMAZING. Everyone else has great info, too. I think that the variety will not only help with muscle confusion, but will keep workouts fun and interesting. I am printing your replies and keeping them handy for the upcoming months!

 

[jdimascio]

Aw, thanks, PaulaMR. I love running...been doing it since I was 10 years old. I have only done 6 marathons (it's hard to train with 4 children), but it's been fun competing. Good luck, keep us posted of your progress!!