I enjoy working out for 90 minutes usually 3 times a week, and more when I can. I have a tear in my shoulder so can't bench press which used to be my favorite routine, or have the patience to change plates so the machines work great for me. I can still lift more than most guys, but go light on leg machines. There are a # of women who do more on the hib abductor machines than I do. None of that slows me down running much, as I try to lose the last 10 pounds.
The next time your bodybuilding friends say that running makes one look emaciated, take 'em to a local 5k. Whole lotta non-emaciated going on there.
Mmmmm...beer
I've noticed the same thing. I don't lift, but I'm on bodybuilding.com, joined up in 2011 when I was trying to get healthy, because I decided I wanted to lift and get big, joined a gym and everything. That attempt failed miserably. Then this time around I decided to focus on my diet first, then exercise, and then I got hooked on running. But I still go to bb.com for nutrition info, definitely good gouge there. There's even a runner's thread in the Over35 section. One of these days I'd still like to do some weight training, but right now I'm enjoying just doing pullups and pushups.
-Dave
My running blog
Goals | sub-18 5k | sub-3 marathon 2:56:46!!
. There's no need to sacrifice running for the sake of gaining lean body mass.
This is the part I somewhat disagree with. Let's say I have an hour to work out. Assuming my goal is overall fitness, then my best bet is probably something like 20 minutes of weight training and 40 minutes of cardio. If however my goal is to move my body from point "A" to point "B" as quickly as possible, I think you're probably best served by spending that 60 minutes running. Of course, if you can run for 60 minutes and add weight training, well that's even better but I'm limiting it to that 60 minute block. What is the best use of that 60 minutes if you want to run as fast as possible? I think it's to run.
Short term goal: 17:59 5K
Mid term goal: 2:54:59 marathon
Long term goal: To say I've been a runner half my life. (I started running at age 45).
PGD, if I want to add a bit of lifting into my week, purely for looks (I would like to get some muscles back into my arms), how long and how often should I work out? What is the miminum I should do? I run mostly at night, quite often 5 nights a week, and I find it hard to muster the energy for some lifting, before or after my runs. Even light lifting. I still do push-ups, 50 consecutive ones. It helps, but minimaly. Would two sessions of lifting Saturday and Sunday be ok or are two days in a row not recommended?
PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013
Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013
18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010
It's not just the bodybuilding community. I think that some people have a tendency to completely obsess with a sport and to only self-identify with that one sport. Maybe it is a side effect of the endorphins that keep you coming back for more - I have seen the same disdainful attitude towards running from cyclists. I don't know if you would call it elitist or purist, but the implication is always that if you are "fooling around" with running, then you just aren't really committed to "(insert other sport here)." I include some runners in this category - some cannot imagine doing things like cycling or bodybuilding (unless you really aren't committed to running!)
It's not just the bodybuilding community. I think that some people have a tendency to completely obsess with a sport and to only self-identify with that one sport. Maybe it is a side effect of the endorphins that keep you coming back for more - I have seen the same disdainful attitude towards running from cyclists. I don't know if you would call it elitist or purist, but the implication is always that if you are "fooling around" with running, then you just aren't really committed to "(insert other sport here)."
I include some runners in this category - some cannot imagine doing things like cycling or bodybuilding (unless you really aren't committed to running!)
As a 14 year long distance runner who is also a long time cyclist, maybe I notice it more than others but I
have seen plenty of cyclist bashing on RA and RW. It irks me to see people of any sport painted with one
brush because of someone's prejudices or perhaps negative interaction with a particular person or group.
Of course now that I'm swimming 4 hours a week as well and training for a full marathon and triathlons
at the same time I'm a total lost cause to the running purists.
@runjerseygirl
Overall I think athletes are snobs when it comes to their sport. One sport is always better than the rest. One training method is always better than the other. The fact is, people do different things for different reasons. I am friends with people who lift, CrossFit junkies, cyclists and runners. If you tell me that you worked out, I'm freaking stoked for you! I don't care. Pick your poison and just get it done.
Do you even run?
Go figure
Trying to find some more hay to restock the barn
levitation specialist
For Dave:
Wow. Seriously. I'm completely blown away, NBT. You're gorgeous!
You look AWESOME!!!
Aw, thanks ladies
Coming from you two hot mamas, that is indeed a compliment! Back at you both!
Wowzers. Two thumbs up.
For T-rod:
”Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”
Tomas
As a 14 year long distance runner who is also a long time cyclist, maybe I notice it more than others but I have seen plenty of cyclist bashing on RA and RW. It irks me to see people of any sport painted with one brush because of someone's prejudices or perhaps negative interaction with a particular person or group. Of course now that I'm swimming 4 hours a week as well and training for a full marathon and triathlons at the same time I'm a total lost cause to the running purists.
The only cyclists I ever bash are the ones who use too much of the road during rush hour, or ride 2 across then as well. I used to go home on back roads for years and approached each winding turn wide as I was always afraid of hitting one. Now I live in a more congested area and near a bike path, but rarely have those types of issues.
I bash runners also especially around this time of year while people are training for Boston. There can be 1-2,000 runners on the course during weekends, and I see a # of them run 3 across in the early parts where there is no sidewalk. I'm always amazed that none of them are hit on the course.
If you want to focus on upper body, two days/week would be fine but I wouldn't recommend back to back days. If you stay focused on your regimen, a lifting session can be effective even with only 30 minutes. Lift to "failure" and you'll get results. If you want more detail, feel free to PM me.