Cross Training: The day after

If you read my previous blog, you'd know that I just purchased the Weider X-Factor: ST workout series as a cross-training tool.  Well, I did the first session two days ago, and found out quickly that I have undeveloped muscle groups.

The workout wasn't crazy intense, but was (if you actually follow the instructor) rigorous.  My heart rate peaked at about 152, which is nice for cardio but hardly equal to a straight running session.  The issue for me, at this stage, was that my muscles just couldn't keep up with my respiratory system.  Thus, I reached failure but still thought I had more in the tank.  Don't get me wrong, there were a few intervals (sumo squats, superman's) where I thought I was gonna pass-out, but that was strictly mental, as my HR was still relatively low.

This brought on an almost revolutionary moment in my thought process.  "Hey!" I said, "my glutes shouldn't hurt this much after the intro sessions.  They are probably underdeveloped."  Just then it was like a light flashed.  I recently returned to running after an ITB issue, but had doubts about how to prevent it from occurring again.  I now believe that one of the catalysts to incurring the injury was imbalanced muscle groups.  My quads are very strong, but my hammies aren't as developed, and my glutes.... well let's just say I don't fill out the back of my pants very well.

Now, most people would get discouraged at the discovery that they have weak muscle groups, but this was great news to me.  It meant that I might be able to build them up for increased protection from injury.  It meant that my cross-training will pay-off.  It meant that what every single magazine article I've read over the last 2 years is true about the benefits of cross-training-- who knew!?

Consider cross-training if you aren't already.  It just may save your butt-- literally.  Just take it easy, the day after my first session I went for a 6-mile run; it was all I could do to muster a 10min/mile pace.  My heart and breathing were okay, but it felt like I had sandbags for glutes.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN (at least when it comes to developing underdeveloped muscle groups).

Call of the Run: Addiction in Motion

As I sit here tonight, I can't help but think about how great it would be to wake up early before work and go for a run. Even though I know I just returned to running from an injury, the allure of near silent motion is almost irresistible. Running is addictive. There are those who can't, and will never, understand that statement, and then there are runners. However, we as runners need to know when we have a "problem." I love to run, and thank the Lord I have time; plenty of time. Matter of fact, I waste away more time than I spend on running. So, I'm not talking about "problems" that some people have of avoiding family, job, and other responsibilities just to run. I'm referring to runners that know they should be taking it much slower than they are but simply can't find the strength to say no to a good run. Whether its recovering from injury or avoiding over training, sometimes we just don't listen to the truthful voice until it's too late. The funny thing is that even as I'm typing this, I'm still considering running in the morning. I keep telling myself I feel fine and nothing is hurting, but I know it's risky. Am I trying to prove something to myself? Well, I truly don't know. I just love to run.... I'll let you know what happens..... What about you; do you battle with this decision too? Do you find yourself running, or desiring to run when you know you should take it easy? How do you combat it?