Thoughts on My Two Months Into Running
10 Jun 2009 07:35 PM
If you’re a runner who happened to chance upon this
blog, remember that this is a newbie talking, so feel
free to post your
comments/corrections/reactions/opinions.
1. Strength training works! In my case it has helped me a lot in running. All those squats, deadlifts and lunges help when pushing off the ground. In my experience, as I improved in my strength training for my legs, I’d also require less effort to maintain a faster speed at a longer time. Exercises that strengthen the core (abdominal muscles, obliques) help maintain a good form throughout running. They also keep the body from twisting when powering up hills or speeding down hills. I’d like to think my strength training played a huge role in my strong finishes, and getting that extra kick as the finish line is near. Can strength exercises reduce the risk of injury? Studies say so, but I can only speak for myself after a few more months into this.
Take note, I say “strength training” and not “bodybuilding”. Strength training does build some muscle, but the name itself implies a focus on building strength, not trying to bulk up and look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I’m pretty sure I can beat that guy in the 5k, what with all that muscle weight slowing him down.
2. I have yet to find my best stride/footstrike.
3. I’ve set goals for the 5k because I wanted to take baby steps in endurance running. Training for the 5k (or for a best 5k) requires less mileage than training for the longer distances, or the marathon. But it certainly does not require less effort! The difficult part of the training is doing the sprint and tempo workouts.
4. I haven’t decided yet what I will train for next, after my 5k PR attempts.
5. I love it!
- - - - - - - - -
Mizuno Infinity 5k race results are posted here. I got in at 64th place out of 994 runners, 7th among the females. I didn’t realize there were that many 5k runners that day! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. The 5k still remains the most popular race distance because it is beginner-friendly, and yet many elite athletes like to challenge themselves with it. Other runners use the 5k for speed work when training for longer distances.
Won’t you like to sign up for a 5k race today? Click here for a list of running events in the Philippines.
1. Strength training works! In my case it has helped me a lot in running. All those squats, deadlifts and lunges help when pushing off the ground. In my experience, as I improved in my strength training for my legs, I’d also require less effort to maintain a faster speed at a longer time. Exercises that strengthen the core (abdominal muscles, obliques) help maintain a good form throughout running. They also keep the body from twisting when powering up hills or speeding down hills. I’d like to think my strength training played a huge role in my strong finishes, and getting that extra kick as the finish line is near. Can strength exercises reduce the risk of injury? Studies say so, but I can only speak for myself after a few more months into this.
Take note, I say “strength training” and not “bodybuilding”. Strength training does build some muscle, but the name itself implies a focus on building strength, not trying to bulk up and look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I’m pretty sure I can beat that guy in the 5k, what with all that muscle weight slowing him down.
2. I have yet to find my best stride/footstrike.
3. I’ve set goals for the 5k because I wanted to take baby steps in endurance running. Training for the 5k (or for a best 5k) requires less mileage than training for the longer distances, or the marathon. But it certainly does not require less effort! The difficult part of the training is doing the sprint and tempo workouts.
4. I haven’t decided yet what I will train for next, after my 5k PR attempts.
5. I love it!
- - - - - - - - -
Mizuno Infinity 5k race results are posted here. I got in at 64th place out of 994 runners, 7th among the females. I didn’t realize there were that many 5k runners that day! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. The 5k still remains the most popular race distance because it is beginner-friendly, and yet many elite athletes like to challenge themselves with it. Other runners use the 5k for speed work when training for longer distances.
Won’t you like to sign up for a 5k race today? Click here for a list of running events in the Philippines.