Since I decided not to run the Colfax Marathon back in May, running has taken a back seat to lifting and more GPP style workouts. However, with Chase the Moon fast approaching I am getting a little nervous about my distance running abilities.
Thankfully, Heidi has put together these Wednesday night trail runs and I joined in last night. Amy and I ran about 4.5 miles together with her pup Zoey along Green Mountain and they were both extremely gracious as I chatted their ears off.
I hit up another run this morning (go big or go home, right?), but couldn’t stand the thought of long slow distance. Mentally, I just wasn’t ready for it today. Instead, I did this Tabata style workout.
It served well to help me break up the running, get in the miles, and work in some strength and conditioning. Just the type of transition I need to get in distance shape while not sacrificing too much of the full body workouts I have come to love.
Combined with a a one mile warm up and half mile cool down, I got in 3.5 miles. Not too shabby, especially when this is your view.
If you’re not familiar with Tabata style workouts, you do one move with intensity for 20 seconds, then take a 10 second rest. You repeat this pattern for a total of four minutes. Twenty seconds doesn’t sound like much, but it kicks your butt!
RQ: Do you struggle between running shape and strength+conditioning? What is your favorite combo cardio/strength workout?
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
Yes – I’m trying to do better this round of training at keeping my strength work up, too but it is hard.
I love that you and Amy are getting together some!
It really is. I have a hard time fitting in both.
I am sure I chatted just as much, but you had the fascinating stories! Zoey is going to work on being a better trail runner on leash.
Hahaha. Thanks! Zoey did great! Especially as she got tired; she was a trooper.
Are you “Chasing the Moon” alone or on a team. Sounds interesting.
I am on a relay team with a few other bloggers. We each have to do a minimum of 10 miles with 1 or 2 of use doing 20. I think I will hand off the 20 to someone else though.
I honestly need to do a better job of integrating strength/conditioning into my workout schedule. I get so caught up in the cardio and endurance side of training, that my strength training gets neglected and forgotten. I think it would significantly help balance me more if I worked more on upper body and core. I really like the idea of mixing running with strength training, and breaking it up into smaller workouts. This would be the perfect for the track!
It’s easy to forget about the strength and conditioning when you’re a triathlete. Your whole sport is endurance!