In the last month I’ve been in a really good place with running. I’m running more days a week than I used to – 4 days instead of 3. The good runs far outnumber the bad and I’m starting to get my speed back. (Knocking on wood so I don’t get injured tomorrow).
However, I’ve definitely put cross-training on the back burner. Last week I ran 37 miles (more than usual for this stage of marathon training because I did my long runs on a Sunday and then the following Saturday) and NO cross-training!
I’ve been here before and I’m sure some of you have. Usually I end up slacking on strength training at some point during marathon training, but certainly not so early in the game. So I’ve decided to make it as easy as possible for me to keep up cross-training.
I set up a workout space in a room we now lovingly refer to as the gym-slash-library.
With my iPad, I can watch TV and movies on my bike trainer. I also upgraded to the paid version of Workout Trainer, so I’ve been following up with a strength training workout after I hop off the bike.
This week was much better for cross-training. This week I ran 25 miles (4 runs), and did 2 trainer rides and 2 strength training sessions. It is pretty depressing how fast my upper body muscles get weaker when I don’t make the time to strength train. Not dying during strength workouts = motivation to keep up with this routine.
I love your cute trainer corner! nice job…and that’s a lot of miles, friend!
I am so bad at keeping up with strength training too. I find it way less fun so I just neglect to do it half the time which I know is so bad. I’m curious- can you hear the sound when you watch the iPad while riding your trainer? Mine is so loud that I can only hear the TV when I turn it all the way up and can’t hear the iPad at all. Do you wear headphones?
I actually put on the closed captioning. The sound is on too, but since I can’t follow the dialogue with the trainer noise, it really helps.
I’m jealous of your ipad/workout set up. I’d honestly only buy an ipad for the tv/movie watching capabilities. Alas, I just listen to music and stare at the wall whenever I have to run on the treadmill in our workout facility. Nice job on all those miles!
Love the cross train corner!!&& I hear ya on the no upper body strength. Aside from the ones at home, I can’t even push open most doors. It’s really pathetic.
Ooh, your workout corner is sweet! I love using my ipad when I’m working out to watch television shows that I bought on itunes.
What trainer do you use for your bike? The one I have shreds my tires. Not sure if that is the case with every trainer, or if I just bought a crap one.
I have this one from Schwinn – never had any problems with it.