Run Strong

To get better at running, you just need to run, right? Wrong! For me, I need to incorporate strength training in my plan. When I was focusing purely on running, I couldn’t seem to string more than a couple of months of good running together. Now, I can’t remember the last actual injury I picked up.

Strength training for some is bodyweight exercises and for others it can be training using weights. In my experience, both are effective with strengthening muscles to help with injury prevention in my running. I personally prefer to lift weights to build my strength as I find it more enjoyable. I like the feeling of being to lift more than I did last week – I suppose a little like running faster than last week. And who doesn’t love that?

I currently run 6 days a week and aim for 2 strength sessions a week (though this is much harder in lockdown). This means working out twice on two of the days as I like to have a full rest day once a week.

When I first started at my local gym, it was a bit daunting. I didn’t feel confident in the weight room, especially being one of only a few females in that area. But now, I feel completely at ease. And it really isn’t as scary as it first seems!

I tend to focus on the same, or similar, workouts each time I go to the gym. The main exercises I work on are deadlift, squats, pull ups, push ups/bench press, lunges, shoulder press. I’ll often alternate squats and lunges. I record the weights I’ve lifted along with how many sets and reps I’ve done so I can see my progress.

Do you incorporate strength training into your week?