Question for the runners among us...

C

Calee

Cathlete
Hi runners,
I tried to do a search because I know that similar questions have been asked before, but it didn't come up with anything I was looking for. So... my question is, do you ever run on leg days? I want to switch things up a bit but I'm afraid I won't be able to run as long and have my legs turn to jello or something if I do this. What are your experiences and what works best for you?
Thanks for the input!
Calee
 
Hi Calee....I used to run after doing heavy legs weights, but as I have aged and had a few injuries, I don't anymore. Now I might do an endurance leg workout before a run but until my injuries heal up I mostly do my runs on upper body days. I know all runners are different and you will get more replies about what works for them...:)
 
I've personally never done it because both take a lot out of me, so I'm not able to give my all to both. Even following a leg day with a run has gotten me in trouble sometimes LOL. I once made the mistake of doing GS legs the day before I did track drills and boy did I regret it. I thought it would be ok since I wasn't going for any kind of distance, but I definitely felt wiped out and couldn't put in my best for the drills.

I could be endurance-challenged, so take my experience with a grain of salt, but for what it's worth, I try to space them out :).
 
Some runners won't work legs at all.

Typically, I don't work legs and run on the same day, particularly b/c I am in a hilly area. But this summer I did a leg-blast rotation in which I did lower body weight work followed by a short run on the same day sometimes. It was tough, but I felt it was a good variation in my training and boosted leg strength and endurance. It's not something I would do all the time, but it's a rotation I plan to repeat again.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]

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Hi Calee.

YES! I love running on leg days!

Often times I try to schedule my leg work for the same day as a run. I find running on newly worked legs helps to work out the kinks a bit. The only exception is, for example, when I was training for my HM. I did not run on leg days then and I also will not train legs the morning of or the day before any shorter race I enter either. Any other time though, I like to do it if I can. If I can't swing the same day then definately the next day! I've never had any problems at all!:)
 
Hi!!!

As many people have already mentioned, this decision depends greatly on how your body handles it. However, if you are training for a specific event such as a Marathon, I strongly advise you not to work your legs on the when you are doing certain runs, as they all have a purpose and you don't want to interfere with the training benefits of specific runs. For example, I would avoid working your legs on the day you do your long runs or on the day directly after. I would also avoid doing leg work on an active recovery day when you are supposed to be loosening up your legs. When I trained for marathons I did weight work for my legs after my hill training when I knew that I would have a recovery day between this workout and my next run. I did not do it before the hill work so that I would be able to perform optimally on this sport-specific type of strength training. It is important to take recovery days if you are training for an event like this so that your muscles will actually be able to benefit from all of your hard work. Basically, make sure that your leg work does not interfere with or hinder the runs that are specific to the even you are training for. Hope this helps.

Ady
 
I have done both quit often. I just do my run first. There is no way I could run after doing a weight workout b/c my legs would definitly feel like jello! I say do your run first, then skip the leg warm up and get right to the weights!

Lori:)
 
Hi-

I'll run on leg days too, but usually I'll run in the AM and strength train later in the day.

I do find though that if I am in a rotation where I'm training my legs w/ heavy heavy weights, I can't push as much weight on the days I run, even if my run is several hours earlier.

However, I do like the feeling of absolutely blasting them on that day and then making sure I take it easier for anything lower body the next day.

Lynn M.
 
I have before, but lately I've been very careful and I walk on my TM instead of run if I feel at all like I'm tired or too sore...I have plantar troubles and I swear walking is helping me stay on track without tearing me up. I crank the incline to 10 and walk about 40 minutes at 2.5 and it burns the same calories as a 30 minute program run I like to do.

:)
 
Actually, just yesterday I paired up PLB with a 5 mile run. I think you'll have no problems and it will add to your overall fitness IMHO.
I just avoid the leg workouts on days when I'm scheduled for a long run or a very strenuous, hilly trail run!

Have a great time and keep up with the running!!! There's just nothin like it!

ShellyC
 
I like to power walk on a low incline or do a HIIT workout on the treadmill on tough leg days. I think it helps keep away stiffness and soreness.
 
Thank you everyone.
My concern was that I would interfere with any gains I made in the run, or vice verca with weights.
Maybe I could still run on leg days if I don't go super-heavy? I don't want to bulkier legs anyway; I have a pear shape tendancy.
What's the opinion on that idea?
Thank you cheetahs!
Calee
 
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