Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Cross Train Like A Boss

So far so good when it comes to my first week of marathon training. I mean, starting the week off with a rest day was nice, and it made me feel like this:


It also wasn't bad going into yesterday with only a 3 mile run on the calendar. I out some effort into it to make myself feel better, and I also walked 2 miles later on. In between, I cross trained like a boss, hitting the weights with some ferocity. I love working my chest and back, and I need that area aesthetically more than most things. I also got some core work in with some weights, machines and planks. I want to cross train is as much if my free time, away from running, as I can. I also want to use my new running form, even in my Brooks, as much as possible, so I did my entire run that way. I definitely made sure to wear my compression sleeves!


I am not sure what the overall "coolness" factor, or lack thereof, there is with that look, but I am pretty lame as it is. Oh, and I don't run in those shoes, don't worry - those are just a knee injury waiting to happen!

Today was a "rest" day, but I still got weights in to keep the cross training alive. I worked on the sides of of core, obliques, arms and shoulders. I always try to keep my workouts varied, but I always focus on certain muscle groups (chest), and within that, I try to pair up those groups with similar but opposite functionality (biceps with triceps, pectorals with lats).

I feel bad this week, despite my marathon excitement because I miss putting up more miles for the Chilly Challenge. I even let Amy know that I wouldn't be holding my end, so hopefully the rest of #teamescapades will hold me up! Unfortunately team giraffe put the hurt on us early this week, going from 100 behind to nearly 500 miles ahead - whaaaaat?! Good thing I love the people on both sides of this epic conflict. Again, sorry team! I will be coming back up soon! I just want to keep my legs fresh and healthy.

Speaking of love for my fellow runners, someone tweeted this gem today, and I had to steal it! I really need to start high fiving fellow runners because I would be juiced if someone did this to me.


Stay frosty out there folks! Keep those feet moving, and it will be spring soon enough!

Do you wave to or high five other runners?

How are your miles? Are you training?

What cross training do you do while training? How often?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

36 comments:

  1. hahahah that is the happiest rest day pic I've seen!
    I've always got this ginormous smile on my face when coming across other runners!

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    1. If I came across you, I would run away! J/k! A big smile would totally amp my run.

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  2. I always wave but have never high fived anyone. I would be jazzed if someone offered a high five though! Glad your training is going well :) Hiking is my favorite cross training, this summer I would hike several hours a weekend and a couple hours during the week.

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    1. I want to get into hiking and trail running this summer!

      Oh, and I know, wouldn't a high five just get you moving!?!? This is happening!

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  3. Wha? How did we get so far behind??? I am afraid my mileage might be a little less this week, too.

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  4. one thing I hate about dc is runners are not friendly to one another, I never get a high for any of them even when I say hi. it kills me!!!

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    1. That is lame! I have too much runner love for those shenanigans.

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  5. haha...u're OWNING marathon training so far! :) jk...actually u're doing an awesome job, u've got the motivation are going to do great.
    also, all that chest and back strength work will do u plenty good when it comes to running, so not just all for looks. ;) and you already know how much i love core work! keep it up! :)

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    1. What can I say, I have a vain side ;) thanks Cait! I can't wait to see what I am capable of.

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  6. I have never high-fived anyone before while running :( I usually smile to people and when they smile back it's the best feeling ever!

    Haha! Sounds like you really enjoyed your rest day! Man, you guys really need to catch up with the giraffes ;)

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    1. Yay for nice and happy runners! There aren't too many people out there to begin with these days, so I want to support them!

      Yeah, we need to come back in a big way!

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  7. What!?! Giraffe pulled ahead!! No way!! I am going to have to step up my game.

    Good job on your cross training. Wish I had your dedication!!

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    1. Gotta use that gym membership! I am very monetarily motivated! Yeah, Escapades will pick it up though!

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  8. I'm fascinated by the regional differences in how runners greet each other. Rochesterians are very friendly, while Angelinos are very insular and withdrawn. Singaporeans are often out walking or running with friends, but to greet a stranger is unusual. For that very reason, I definitely enjoy calling a greeting out here and there! Keeps everyone guessing...

    I'm on a slow, post-injury mileage rebuild, so I'm staying very busy with cross-training, so as not to over-run. My current faves include swimming, spin, and Body Pump.

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    1. Way to stay active and not let the injury set you back too much! Those miles will come back soon enough, especially since you are taking care of yourself in other ways.

      It is strange to think that there would be differences in how runners are from place to place, but I guess it makes total sense! Very interesting indeed.

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  9. I have never high fixed a runner as we passed each other. I always nod. That is me trying to be "cool." But i might try the high five!!

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    1. The nod is sooooo 2012. 2013 needs to be the year of the high five!

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  10. Awesome job on the cross training! I have high-fived my running buddies for sure while running :-)

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    1. Nice! Did it get everyone involved super psyched? Thanks!

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  11. As you saw from my post yesterday, I like doing some weight lifting at the gym too -- I usually aim for 3 days a week. So awesome to be STRONG!

    I think I would be excited if someone high fived me while running! Haha. I usually smile/nod/wave when I'm out on the trail.

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    1. You are a good sport then, for sure. I am all about building myself up physically, and I like thinking that I am giving myself a competitive edge.

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  12. Does that count as pants;)

    Yes, nothing beats a low mileage day. heck, you see 8 and almost smile.

    I try to smile or nod, but some folks are just plain snotty. I think it's cool to shout out at fellow runners.

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    1. So true about snotty runners - what a waste of endorphins! We all need to support each other out there!

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  13. Yes I am a huge high fiver - on race day... I love breaking it down with other runners while we race - gotta have fun while running.

    Yes I am training for my 2nd Half-Marathon - the low miles are killing me BUT I am trying to up my speed... so it is something new for me.

    I HAVE to continue to strength train - I absolutely cannot let that go - it's just not in me. I try for at least 3-4 days a week with my runs.

    Newest follower and I hit you up on twitter... Happy Running:)

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    1. I love me some twitter - good choice! Thanks for stopping by. Strength training is addicting for so many reasons. I try to fit it in as many times a week as I can.

      I think a half marathon is a good distance to train for. Definitely keep up with your speed work; who doesn't love to be fast?

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  14. What an awesome picture of those runners! I would be psyched if that happened when I was out running. I'd love to know more about what kinds of exercises you're doing in the gym. I'm still working on figuring all of that out but am actually doing a bit of research on it so I don't feel as lame!

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    1. I will have to talk more about my lifting in my next post, so stay tuned. You can also follow me on twitter to talk about it.

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  15. I would absolutely LOVE it if someone high fived me on the run, I definitely want to start doing that. Although as a female I'd be worried that someone would think I was flirting. Orlando is dangerous! LOL

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    1. I don't really see a high five as flirting, especially if you do it with a serious, get back to running, attitude/facial expression. Orlando is an odd town for sure.

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  16. I try and smile at other runners when i pass. I am good at it for the first 3 or so miles and then I focus to much and forget...I am working on it

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    1. I guess you can forgive that person who is clearly in the zone, so I get it!

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  17. Kudos to you for keeping your legs fresh and healthy.

    I wave to other runners, but love the idea of giving a fellow passing runner a high five.

    I am not training at this time, but am keeping an eye out for a race that doesn't conflict with my work schedule. I'm running for pure pleasure.

    During the week, I incorporate a Pilates Rebounder workout into my routine.

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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    1. I am not used to running so little, so it has been an adjustment, but I can tell that it will pay dividends when I make it to race-day healthy.

      Running for pleasure is the best - I have a harder time with that during the winter, but I am getting better. Sounds like you do some quality cross-training.

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  18. Who cares about the coolness factor of your outfit if it gets you through your run! I've never high-fived another runner but if I did, it would definitely make my day!

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    1. Get on that and tell me how it is! I wish I lived in a better running community. I think it would be a blast to be in a place like NYC where there are always runners around.

      Oh, I rarely worry about being cool - I think that went out the window 10 years ago.

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