So, I’ve learned that I can’t run and run and run off the fat around my tummy and hips. I’ve earned that abs are made in the kitchen. I’ve learned the lifting weights will help tighten and tone my body. And I’ve learned that interval training–getting your heart rate up to 85-90% of max–for shorter durations can complement the weight training. And I’ve learned that long runs can stress the body out and make it hold on to fat. (At least, I think these are right. Still learning…)
I remember the spring of 2011. I was training for my first marathon. My training pretty much went like this:
-3 days of running (2 mid-week 30-min run and 1 long run) – Jeff Galloway’s training plan
-3 days of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred
-Occasional cross training in bike or pool
My body was transforming, though. My belly flattened and my hips and thighs got skinnier. I can see it in pictures from marathon race day. That pink shirt is tight on my belly now.
What was I doing then?
First of all, I wasn’t running that much. Two 30-minute runs during the week is not much. During long runs, we used Jeff Galloway’s run-walk-run method because I was very scared of getting injured (fractured my shin prior to my 2010 marathon and didn’t get to run it). So…I was essentially doing a type of interval training on those long runs. Running 5 minutes and walking 1. This probably kept my body from being too stressed. Plus the calorie burn of long runs over 10 miles is curazee.
Then, I was doing my Jillian DVD consistently. It included some weight and interval training. Three times per week. That’s all it was.
So, I was doing some things right back then.
My plan for the future. I have three races coming up in June: A 50-mile relay, a sprint tri and a half marathon. I am going to cut my running to 3x/week. I’m going to swim 1x/week and I’m going to bike at least 2x/week. I’m going to weight train at least 5x/week with three of those days being 30 minutes (and the others only 15 minutes) for now. This could change. But this is the goal. I’m going to eat more veggies and protein, and I’m going to keep my grains whole and in moderation. I don’t necessarily believe in cutting out foods, but I’m going to continue cut down on my dairy and see if that helps my skin even more. And I’m aiming for 100 ounces of water a day.
I’d been trying to figure out what training plan to use for my marathon in December. I’d been leaning toward Hansons, which is a lot of running. A lot. I do like the idea of that, but I also like to look lean, and I’m not going for any BQ’s or Olympic-qualifying times here, so I think I may use Jeff Galloway’s run-walk-run method again. It worked for me before, why not use it again? I had a wonderful first marathon experience. I want that again. And I want to look good running it. 😉
5 comments
I like that 15 minutes some days is enough for weight training. I have a hard time doing weights and need to realize that 10 or 15 or 20 minutes is always better than zero.
I’m with you, I’d rather look good running slow (er). So very interested in how this will work for you. Do you have any thoughts about yoga 1x/week?
Reflection and self-assessment! Very important parts of growing and evolving as people, athletes, moms, runners….you’ll get there! You’re well on your way!!
I know for me I do best when I run 3 days…my body can handle it. I love to cross train with Spin, but plan to do ChaLean Extreme post baby has her workouts on average are 30 minuets and I figure a good way to get back to where I was.
You go girl! I need to figure something out, too, because I do NOT lose weight training for a half!
You might want to check out Whole30. I learned about this by chance through the comment section in a blog I was reading. I purchased the book It Starts With Food, and was determined to complete 30 days of no grains, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, no legumes. I am proud to say I did complete the 30 days last Tuesday and lost 12 pounds and 10.5 inches. I feel soooooo much better than I did before. While I am not sure how it would feel to be on this and train like you do, it might be a good kick start. Just a thought. :o)