RUNNERS JUST WANT TO RUN

One of the perks of having a fiance who works in physical therapy means that you get to hang out with physical therapists a lot. As a runner, this is a good thing because they are super smart people who know a lot about the body… so if you talk about a random pain, they can fix it. Case in point: IT Band.

Anyways, we were talking about running (duh) and they were laughing about runners and how a) we don’t like to stretch and b) we have the worst cores around. All I could say was its because runners just want to run, and I think it’s so true. It took me the longest time to start stretching, and when I did it was only for 10-15 seconds per stretch. I just started regularly doing core in the past year or so, but before that I would just hit the showers right after a run.

If you want to become a better runner, you need to stretch, do core and strengthen your arms. Yeah, right, right? I think if I had three hours to dedicate to my workout every day, I could be a MUCH better runner, mostly because I would have more time to do all of these! But this is how I was able to work these into my routines without adding too much extra time:

  • Set your alarm five minutes earlier. As a compromise to my body for becoming a early morning runner, I let myself lollygag in bed for a few minutes before I actually get up. But I try to get up five or ten minutes earlier than I need to so I have time to stretch and do exercises after my run.
  • Keep it short. At least in the beginning, try to keep your “extra” workouts short. I try to do around three or four different core/arm exercises and use those to feel the burn. If I’m in a hurry (like today), I cut it down to one or two — something is better than nothing.
  • Do it at a different time. There is nothing that says you have to do an arm or ab workout the same time when you do your run… instead, think about doing it when you are watching TV later or at some other point in the day. That way you won’t be as rushed and it will be a better workout overall.

Do you strengthen your arms and core? Do you have any tips on how to work it into your workout routine? 

Categories: becoming healthier, running

14 Comments

  • Running in Mommyland says:
    5 April, 2012 at 8:14 am

    Ok. Getting on the floor for a round of "core cultivation" now! Those PT's are right… we just want to run!

    Reply
  • recimplicity says:
    5 April, 2012 at 10:11 am

    Great post, Lora! I find that push ups are the easiest, no-fuss way to get both core and ab work. I kind of hate them, but at least the workout is over in about 2 minutes!

    Reply
  • Leave Tracks says:
    5 April, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    All so true! I thought of you the other day. I went to my gym's yoga class for the first time (I usually do it on my own at home with a DVD) and it kicked by butt! OMG, my core got such an incredible workout–and we did a ton of PLANKS. My abs, shoulders, and arms were sore for two days afterwards, and I couldn't help thinking to myself, "I just want to run!"

    Reply
  • Sandee says:
    5 April, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Started doing crossfit in January and it has made a big difference! Love it! And it has helped my running and biking. Also, I've been forcing myself to stretch and foam roller daily.

    Reply
  • Corrie Anne says:
    6 April, 2012 at 1:31 am

    Kettlebells!!! I've been kind of DIY-ing CrossFit. I think it's attractive to runners because it has measurable goals.

    Reply
  • Nicole says:
    6 April, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Lora – for Kettlebells, there is a Kettlebell kickboxing place in SoHo – I haven't been yet, but its on my to-do list. It's women only (there are select co-ed classes) The first class is free, so that might be a good jump start for you to learn some good exercises to do with Kettlebells.
    And I totally feel your pain – if I had like an extra 2 hours in my day, I could get everything done, but between work, life and what I already do to exercise, its hard to add extra workouts!

    Reply

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