Good morning folks. I will run around 7 after work today. I changed plans yesterday and lifted weights. Many years ago, I was quite good at lifting weights. But after several years of focusing on running, my upper body strength is far from what it should be.

QOTD: How much strength training do you do (resistance training/weight lifting)? How important do you think it is to successful running?

I do not do very much, but I am in the process of changing that.

I think it is paramount to longevity, especially in the longer distance races. I think focusing on strengthening the hips and glutes is probably the most important. But I also think that upper body strength is more important than most people think. You have to use your arms, shoulders, abs, and back. They must be strong.

Morning!  Probably no running today, but yoga at lunch.  This past week (work, school, visiting family) has destroyed my running schedule.  the time shift is not helping, either.  Oh, excuses, excuses.  Let me take a minute to think up a few more....

qotd:  Very important, especially around longevity and keeping injury free.  I've found cross training / strength to be increasingly necessary as I've gotten older (or could it be that I'm paying more attention?).  I need to work on upper body strength and the smaller muscle groups that don't get used as much (or overpowered) by the big, running muscles.  Piriformis, anyone?

Again up and out early today. Got in some trail intervals on our measured halves. It left me very hungry and i already ate. I know there is some halloween candy around yet....  Cold morning at 30F but I'm still running in shorts, days are numbered here.

QOTD--I do strength training and have for years and just like my other forms of cross training I do, I do it because I like to and it enriches my overall quality of life. Don't know or care if it improves my running as I have never been a one trick pony. I assume certain programs could help but on the other hand carrying a lot more upper body weight probably won't help you get up any 4000' climbs.

Good morning all.  I think I found a way to fit running into my schedule with the new baby.  Yesterday I asked my boss if I could come in early on Tuesdays & Thursdays so that I can leave early & hit the trail.  He said that physical, mental, and emotional health are all extremely important and that I can change my schedule to get some running time in.  Hooray!  I work for a great guy.  I'll be on the trail for 5-7 miles this afternoon, and then home to spend the evening with my little one.  

QOTD:  I don't really do strength training with weights.  But I do regularly lift 50 lb bags of chicken food, scratch, and dog food.  I garden, mow the lawn or shovel snow, rake leaves, and work on the house.  Currently I also lift a 9 pound baby, often doing reps of side-to side arm rocking motions.  But I've never found weight lifting to be interesting.

Yesterday I did a 3.5 hour trail run in the darkness. Lots of time for reflection, and not only on the leaves and branches (har har).

I'm experimenting with taping the arch of my right foot, and it generally helps. Yesterday I discovered that really uneven terrain will loosen the tape and therefore the support after about an hour. I need to innovate my current method!

Today will be 5 in the park.

Sugnim, great boss - congratulations!

QOTD: I've lifted the last 20 years, but only since March have I been on a good program. I now do large, compound exercises twice per week, and I think it is doing wonders for my running form. I'm 6'3 with a long torso, and doing Deadlifts and Presses has really helped me build upper and lower back strength to maintain form and stop slouching.

I also frankly just love Deadlifting in and of itself. It is such a simple and primeval feat of strength: deep breath, tighten everything from butt to head, and rip the heavy-ass bar off the floor.

My two athletic goals for next year is to do a 50-miler and Deadlift 2x bodyweight.

Put me down for 6 miles of rolling hills out on the road today at lunchtime. Fairly pleasant weather. Mild, grey skies, low clouds, and spitting rain.

QOTD: I try to lift once a week. I've been slacking as of late. I don't really do it to improve my running but to ensure I don't get sand kicked in my face when I go to the beach.

DW and I went out for a little hike and I tested my heel issue. I only did

a few hundred yards at a time but my heel feels fine, and I'm convinced

its bursitis and not some type of Achilles tendinitis. If all is well tomorrow

am I'll slap on the New Balance for a few miles.

QOTD: This past injury has prompted me to start up again, I think its

very helpful for injury prevention. I'm doing body weight exercise; squats,

lunges, calf raises, hip flexor stuff and core. I did weights in my 30's and

beefcaked up a little, but then lost interest.

Morning!

Yesterday I had an eye exam, test I will always fail no matter how hard I try. But it's amazing the difference a new prescription makes!

My run yesterday under 4 miles has left me sore today! But I think a nice slow run is in order. We'll see, I haven't ran a 2 day streak in a looooong time. 

QOTD: I do zero strength training. I always think about doing it. ...and then I don't. But even though I don't do specific strength training I am constantly using arm power at work and at the fire department and since have become noticeably stronger.