Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sorry For Cardio Rocking

More like sorry for the delay in posts. I have been super inspired to train hard this week, but that ended up in translating into less time to actually sit down and write about it. Lucky, I do not work this weekend, so I am able to catch up a little bit.

I don't really have a good summary for you, but I can say that I got in a ton of cardio. I spent a few hours of the week on the stair climber, a few hours on the elliptical and a ton of time working the weights. The biggest increase of the week was on my core training. I was inspired by some fellow bloggers to get back on the plank bank wagon. On my core days I definitely hit the planks hard. I also did various other core exercises to compliment whichever part of that area I was hitting that day. The increase in cardio and core training is already paying dividends, as my elliptical times continue to get faster. I also increased some weight this week, and was still able to do 3x 10 reps. I have never been close to this kind of weight before.

Beyond training in the gym, I have decided to shut down my road running for awhile. I want to see if my knee will get to 100% without the need to shut down my training completely. I just can't imagine going more than a day or two without training in some capacity. Unfortunately, I don't have any access t a pool right now, so my cross training capacity is somewhat limited. We will see how I feel in the next few weeks. Additionally, I will probably have some extended days of rest around Christmas, as I will be away from my gym.


Beyond that, I am starting to get more and more excited for race season this spring. I cannot wait to get out and prove to myself that I am capable of being a distance runner. Additionally, I cannot wait to get some new PRs in shorter races earlier in the spring. I am very curious as to what my 5k pace is now, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I am under 20 minutes now. I am itching to get out and find out, but there will be plenty of time for that in a few months. In the mean time, I have a lot more training and mental preparations.

What kind of core exercises do you get the most out of?

What do you feel gives you the best all around gym workout?

P.S. I will try and stay more on top of things this coming week, but the holidays are crazy!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

9 comments:

  1. You are gonna be fantastic this racing season, I'm looking forward to hearing about it!

    I love my running, but I definitely feel more rounded and my best when I do a run that's around 6 miles, plusss spend time with those weights!

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    1. Weight training is soooo important, and it has the added aesthetic bonus! Thanks!

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  2. Great week of training my fellow stair climbing friend. :) Super happy for you that you are able to climb and ellipticize despite your semi-bum knee. I think laying off the road running will be beneficial. It definitely tears you up a bit. I had to cross-train most of October after my ultra and I used the stair climber for 14.5 hours and came back faster...so I definitely don't think you'd lose any fitness as long as you keep doing the climber and also throwing in the elliptical. Congrats on the weight increase with your strength training! Are you feeling like Arnold yet? ;) I hate core work to be honest and although running makes the abs look good...I know I should keep doing planks because I could definitely feel the difference strength-wise and it is supposed to help with running. Great job! :)

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  3. I know its hard to lay off the running! It is smart though, especially if you're able to do alllllll that other cardio. You'll keep your fitness way up and race great! I would have to say planks are what I get the most out of. I just read a blog post saying that you should only plank for 10 seconds at a time for optimal results, doing repeats. Something about form I guess. I don't know how I feel about that yet.

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    1. That seems short. I tend to listen to my body to see if things are working, and I really feel the burn after a multiple minute plank.

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  4. gotta say, if u've gotta give an excuse for being blog MIA training is one i'll fully endorse!! haha. and i'll also say it's rocking u're getting ur cardio of all things on. ;) sorry, i'm so not punny! jk.
    can't wait for race season for u either, u'll kick some butt!

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  5. Looking good! Planking and pushups are definitely my core workouts right now. I have made it a mission to get my arms stronger and my abs. Sounds like you are working hard!

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  6. Sorry you don't have access to a pool! I'm sorry I don't have access to a cardio theatre. That sounds awesome. Planks are no joke...I had mat burns on my elbows from planks after my first Pilates class!

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