Running...WOW

Luv2WorkHard

Cathlete
Hi Everyone,

This is not really a question as much as it is a general statement. I just had a huge reality check today regarding the fact that I am apparently not using my lower body muscle groups as much as I thought with my regular workout rotation.

A little background: I used to be a heavy runner (a few miles a day, about 5 days a week). I don't run much anymore and haven't for months. However, I work out no less than 5 days a week and do heavy-duty kickbox (such as KPC, Bootcamp, etc.) and other cardio, as well as targeted upper and lower body weight lifing videos (PUB, PLB, MM, etc.)

WELL, let me tell you, I ran yesterday for the first time in months (only about two miles) and when I woke up this morning, my legs and glutes were KILLING ME. I can't tell you the last time my lower body has been sore from my other workouts and it troubles me that I haven't even thought about it until now. I am used to pushing my upper body very hard and get sore every time I do PUB, but my lower body just does not get sore anymore. I guess I need to shake things up a bit, huh?

The moral of the story: I need to do other lower body work besides kickbox and/or I need to heavy up on the lower body weights to get myself out of complacency. The things is...I am really not unhappy with my results...I just don't think I am challenging myself and over time, my goals may start to slip.

Just a little tidbit that I wanted to share! :)

Dianna

http://www.picturetrail.com/Luv2WorkHard
 
Dianna-
I love when I do a different activity and feel those types of DOMS- just reinforces how great cross training is for total fitness. I remember the first Spin class I took... I thought my legs were strong hahahahahahaahahahahahah PARTS of my legs were strong and parts were screaming for weeks! Enjoy your re-passion for running!
 
I SO know what you mean!! Last spring when I starting adding jogging back into my routine (quit years ago after getting out of the Navy), my lower body DOMS just weren't legs and glutes, then extended up into my lower back and Lats!!!!
 
I do agree with what Traci is saying - if you haven't done something for a while (or before), and you do it, you're much more likely to get a severe case of DOMS. That being said, however, nothing is quite like running for working the body. I know a lot of people say they get the same kind of intensity from other workouts, but I do intense stepping (90 minutes on 8" including blasts), cycling, kick boxing, hiking and what ever I can do 6 days a week. I hike big mountains (like Mt. Whitney). And do other endurance sports. I can work through almost any muscular pain (I do try to be smart about it, but if you're on top of a mountain, you HAVE to come down, no matter how sore those quads are!). Before you think I'm tell you how wonderful I am (I not, really), I'm telling you this to give you an idea of my condition, which is pretty good. But, running kicked my butt. I had to train harder and I hurt more when I ran a half marathon at 13.1 flat miles then when I climbed Mount Whitney which is 22 miles round trip and a 6000 altitude gain. There is just something about running...
 

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