A novice runner may feel the need to run everyday in order to get "good" at running. I must warn you that you will risk exposing yourself to some serious burnout if you do not incorporate other modes of exercise in your workout routine. Not only does cross-training help you to reduce your injury risk from running, it also allows you to explore other ways to stay in shape and break up the monotony of a running routine. If you are a beginner runner, it is not necessary to run 5 miles everyday. Yes, it is important to stay consistent. However, I have found that running 3 days a week and implementing other types of physical activity 2 days a week has helped me to become a better runner. For example, I try to do at least 2 short runs (3 miles or less) during the week. I usually will do a long run (4 miles or more) on a weekend day because I usually have more time, and I can get up earlier in the day to complete my run. I started strength training and toning about a year and a half ago. At first, I used to shy away from using the weight machines and free weights at the gym. I was more concerned about I what I looked like doing the exercises than how I would look and feel afterward. At the time I started, I was much heavier and very self conscience. Then, I realized that running everyday was not going to make me a stronger runner. I just decided I was going to go for the weights no matter how ridiculous I looked at the gym because I discovered that having increased muscle tone was just as important to running as the act of running itself.
Building muscle has increased my endurance, really! Who doesn't need more endurance when running? I noticed that when I began focusing on my arms and core, I became a stronger runner, and I could run longer distances with ease(or easier, shall I say). I can't tell you how many long runs I was able to conquer because even when my legs were extremely fatigued, my trunk and arms kept me going. I will never forget the 1st Black Girls Run! 10K I ran in Atlanta. For those of you unfamiliar with the layout of the Atlanta area, it is hilly, very hilly! The race course was not lacking hills! The very last hill of the race, I could see it from about a half a mile a way, and it looked about a mile high. I was just about ready to puke, and then I remembered, "I got this!" I had trained in several hilly areas in Charlotte. So I buckled up, tightened my abdominal muscles, started swinging my arms, and then I charged up that hill as fast as I could! My legs felt like noodles, but my upper body sustained me until the end. Strength training and I have a love/hate relationship. I hate to do it, because it hurts, but I love how I look and feel afterward.
Recently, I also got introduced to hot yoga. Now, I have taken a few yoga classes in the past. I am clumsy, and I felt very uncomfortable doing some of the poses in front of people. However, recently I have gotten a little bolder, and I feel the need to expand my exercise repertoire. Hot yoga is just what it sounds like; downward dogging, warrior posing and a whole lot of other positions in a 120 degree room full of other people sweating from head to toe. It was gross, but I loved it! I wasn't as clumsy as I thought I would be and I felt so strong. Hot yoga pushed me to a new limit, and after 2 classes I am hooked! My abs were sore for two days afterward and I got the best sleep ever!
If you are able to attend the Black Girls Run! Sweat With Your Sole Race and Conference weekend in Charlotte, NC this year, you will have the opportunity to take courses that will expose you to other types of fitness activities other than running. I took a Tabata course last year, which introduced me to interval training on a whole new level. A lot of the ladies in Black Girls Run! have started training for various triathlons, which is an excellent way to challenge your endurance and strength. My next goal is to take swimming classes to become a stronger swimmer and incorporate low impact resistance training. Being apart of last year's conference helped me to see that Black Girls Run! is not just about a bunch of Black Girls running...it is about encouraging women, particularly women of color, to just get up and move for their health. I challenge you to explore at least one activity outside of running each week. Skate, swim, bike, hike, dance. Just get up and move!
***There is still time to register for the Black Girls Run! Race and Conference Weekend in Charlotte, NC September 6-8. Go to blackgirlsrun.com. The races are co-ed and open to everyone!***
No comments:
Post a Comment