Now that my little marathon season is over until cooler climates return, I am in the process of switching gears a little and trying to focus on full body fitness. While training I told myself I needed upper body strength, core strength, and flexibility but...taking the time to work on those things while fitting in all the miles I wanted just didn't happen.
And that is when things started to complain. Legs ached even when they weren't running. Knees didn't like staying in one place very long. Feet were angry upon getting out of bed or up from my desk. So, despite my "mile junkie" attitude, I'm going to try to step away (but just a little).
I plan to return to attending some of my favorite gym classes. I plan to try to do some sort of weights/resistance training twice a week. I'd also like to get back on my bike and hit the pool in preparation for any triathlons Jason and I may want to enter this summer. I will keep running, but instead of 6-7 days a week, I'd like to take it down to 4-5.
My sister helped me with this new focus of mine just last week by telling me about The Push Up Challenge and inviting me to do it with her. I went to the website, read about it and I was game! I took my initial test yesterday, doing 12 push ups (with knees). I'm hoping to eventually become strong enough to do them without my knees but for now...that is where I am.
The program is broken up into 6 weeks and they claim that by following the 3 workouts planned each week, I will be able to do 100 push ups by the end of the program. I think that would be just plain awesome.
Since I did 12 push-ups, today's workout consists of 5 sets - 12, 10, 7, 7, at least 9. My next workout will be Wednesday and then my 5 sets will be 12, 10, 8, 8, at least 12.
Interested in joining me and Julie on our challenge? If you have the smallest stirring of an interest...if you asked yourself, "Could I possibly do this?" I think you ought to try. We are talking about 30 minutes a week here, so time shouldn't be an issue. If you need an accountability partner, holler at me by way of Jane.Reneau@gmail.com. Join us in the push up challenge!
Good for you, Jane. I am not up for that yet, but I admire you for trying. Can't wait to see the results!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, well, I had to start over today. I got in a little over my head starting at Level 3. :) Starting today at Level 2.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I'm this behind in blog reading that I'm just now seeing this!! How's it going? (Maybe you answer that in a later post??)
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself I'll start some kind of strength routine but there's always a race looming overhead that I don't want to "jeopardize". In my mind I know strength training will only help in the long run, but the fear of being sore is more than I want to think about!!