run on leg days?

C

Calee

Cathlete
So, I've skipped a couple of days that I usually run for cardio and am trying to catch up. What are your thoughts on running on top of leg workouts? I haven't tried it yet; I'm nervous that my legs won't be up to the challenge.
Another concern- will I make my legs bigger if I work them like that?
Thanks for the input!
Calee
 
Although I'm not a runner, I vote No on running on a leg day; one or the other of the training modes is bound to suffer. I would suggest as an alternative to do a step or kickbox cardio routine, then as much leg work as you can handle for the session. Then get back to your regular routine.

I really don't know if you would make your legs bigger if you were to do that on an ongoing basis; however, I don't think that if you did it just this once there would be any mass increase.

JMHO -

A-Jock
 
As a runner, I disagree. If you were just going out for a steady state, cardio run, on the shorter side (30-40 minutes), it would be fine to do this on a leg day.

I wouldn't go out for an interval or tempo run, or a hills workout on leg day. THAT would be overkill. :)

m.
 
I've done both in one day without a problem, if I keep the runs on the short end as M suggests.

In fact, i did both yesterday. I did the KPC/LG circuit premix and then about 3.5 miles. I have done something like this a few other times, and the only thing I notice is that, although my legs aren't *sore* like they are after a heavier weight workout, they do remind me the next day that I wasn't nice to them the day before! }(

Which means, for me, yoga is on tap for today!
 
Today I did 20 minutes HIIT on the treadmill and then the floor from GS Legs. I felt really good throughout the workout. Melissa
 
Thank you all for the input. I'll try and find a good balance until I can get back on track with my regular runs. I'm still concerned, however, that I'm going to make my legs bigger working them a little bit differently for the next little while. I'm the kind that tends to get thick instead of defined. Oh, which reminds me, I have another question- For all you runners out there, will I gain mass in my legs if I start putting more hills in my run days? What are your experiences with this?
Thanks again!
Calee
 
I also agree with mspina. I have run for a long time and have done weights on running days. Usually before my run and not a tempo or interval run. The weight work is what helped me with increasing my mileage and running more marathons. I don't think you gain any mass by running hills (or running in general), or lifting weights either. But if you think the lifting is making your legs thick then do lighter weights with more reps....:)
 
Hi,

I usually don't post, but I've had great results running on leg days. After reading some time ago that Carole runs on leg days I started running on leg days. I think that overall, it should be based on your level of condition and what your goals are. I didn't start out running nearly as far on leg days as I do now, but I've been able to increase my mileage and endurance. I wouldn't do anything but a steady state run and minimize the hill work. In fact, most of the time I have stronger runs on leg days than the day after when I get the DOMS.

Tracy
 
I always run on leg day. I usually just go around 3 miles, but it seems to work really well for me. I "usually" do the standing portion of the leg workout first, then run and I finish with the floorwork. But every now and then I mix it up and run first.

I agree with the others, though! No hard hills or a tough interval run on that day ;-)

Linda
 
I run on leg day. In fact, I prefer that to running the day after a hard leg day. The day after my legs will feel heavy on a run, where they never do if I do both in one day. Oh, and if I do both in one day, it is never right after each other. I will do one early in the morning and the other later on in the day.
 
joining in the chorus here:

I do standing leg work before running--per Carole's suggestions awhile back -- and think it's been really helpful. It helps me lower body be loosened up and I think it has helped me build strength in my legs (without bulking) and better stamina in my runs.

I do not do heavy leg weights, but moderate and light. I do floor work 2x a week-- sometimes before a run and sometimes after.

I see what AquaJock is saying though and I think it's wise to experiment with what works well for your particular body...

Barb:)
 
Hi:

I run and do heavy leg workouts on the same day. too. However, due to time constraints I'll do my run early in the AM ( usually 5 miles) and then at lunch time I'll do my weights. This has worked well for me.

That being said, usually the next two days AFTER the leg/run day, I'll keep my cardio workouts lower impact if possible, as that I can usually feel it for the next two days. IE.. I'll do kickboxing, swimming, or the ARC trainer at the gym so as not to put too much impact on my joints.

Take care, Lynn M.
 
Hi Calee,

I found out the hard way yesterday that doing leg weights on a run day isn't a good idea; I did GS legs in the morning and then that night I had a track workout with my Team in Training team, and holy mama...

I woke up this morning with a charley horse, if that's any indication.

I'm about to pop a Motrin to get through the day.

Jennifer
 
Thank you everyone for your responses, by now I'm back on track for the most part.
My second question still stands though-- does running hills make your legs bigger? Like I said, I need to change things up, but I don't want to have to just run faster and longer...
Thanks!
Calee
 
I run on Sunday mornings, fartlek/intervals, and then do a hard lower body workout (GSL, PLB, LG, etc), and I've done this for over 2 years. I'll be 45 in a couple of months, and I am the fittest I've ever been. I do my own Terminatrix on Saturday mornings (various Cathe segments), take my dog for a long bike ride later, and often do outdoorsy things with friends and family later. Then later on Sundays, DH and I love to go for a hike in a beautiful Michigan park. Mondays are intense upper body days. I love this routine.

I don't feel hills make my legs bigger--I'm very muscular, and work my legs a lot to knock down the muscularity, and burn the fat my post-menopausal body loves to hold on to.

But, it took me years to work up to the intensity level that I work out at now.

Play around and see what works for you. I wish you happy explorations!
 
Thank you, everyone.
I'm excited to start a new phase in my running life! Thank you for the examples and suggestions. I might try and incorporate a few things that some of you have mentioned on this thread. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks again for your input!:D
Calee
 
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