My *running and taking pictures* skills need more work than my speed, apparently. Regardless of my used-to-be-talent, we did a really awesome speed workout:
1 x 1/2 mile warm-up (I almost felt like I needed more of a warm-up, but it didn't kill me to stride out right after this)
1 x 200m HARD, 200m recovery
1 x 400m HARD, 400m recovery
1 x 800m harder effort, 400m recovery
1 x 800m harder effort, 400m recovery
1 x 400m HARD, 400m recovery
1 x 200m [practically a sprint], 200 recovery
1 x 1/2 mile cooldown
We hit up Templestowe Pub afterward for some brew and 'za.
We demolished two of these. No shame at all.
Harry and I got home, I showered up and hit the sheets, basically immediately.:)
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Real talk: the more efficient your gait, the more flexible your joints, the more you train your muscles in a variety of ways (i.e. specificity) = the better you become at running. Or in even simpler terms ---> create the same motion of running and add a variety of resistance, flexibility, and strength to it. The key to being successful at all of this? Being safe, which means you gotta get creative. Or just jump on a bike.
Cycling and spinning are probably the best forms of cross-training for runners. Here's why:
1. Hellooooooooo ------> Active Recovery! The truth about recovery is that more often than not, you still need to move those muscles in a less intense fashion. This is your chance to increase blood flow (which aids in muscle fiber healing), push out lactic acid, and give your joints a lovely massage, if you will. Hopping on the bike or spin bike will help reduce swelling in your muscles and joints.
2. Synergistic (supporting) muscles get more attention. When you *just* run, you work the same muscles, in the same pattern, every time. Even if you're throwing in a good variety of hills and speedowrk, you won't be able to replicate what spinning or cycling can do for your leggies and core. You change the angle of your turnover, as well as the resistance in that angle. Even though you're holding yourself up with the handlebars, the bend from your hips/waist to your shoulders is compromised and allows your core muscles to get some work done.
3. You control your effort. Even if you have an instructor there guiding you through a varied workout of jumps, hills, running out of the saddle, and sprints, you always have control. You can sit and let your legs spin out, or you can join in halfsies on those hills. It's all up to you how much effort you want to throw in, and some days it just feels nicer on the body to take it easy.
4. It's basically a running drill. If you do opt to join in on the sprints (intervals), the hills (resistance), and any work out of the saddle (core work and resistance), you're practically doing running drills "sitting down". Your hip flexors and glutes activate to produce a faster guided turnover, which will make you more speedy on foot.
5. Your joints will <3 you. Low impact exercises, like the spin bike or the elliptical, keep your body in motion with a lower risk of injury. Swimming would be the only completely no-impact exercise, and that's clearly another fantastic form of cross-training for runners. At this point, you might as well Tri.:)
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Thanks to our beautiful hostess, Amanda, for the #ThinkingOutLoud Thursday Link-Up!
Your *Brain Hug* for today!
---HINT--- Crank the speakers!
Post by The LAD Bible.
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Do you cross-train? What's your favorite way to get in another workout?
Speedwork: DO YOU HAVE THE NEED?
-After months without it, I'm re-learning how to love it again.:)
QUICK: Show me your favorite headband!
Love me a good pace ladder! Especially one with shorter intervals! WHen I was running my best, I hit up 2 spin classes and 2 yoga classes/week and it was awesome. Now that I'm swimming, I haven't been to spin all year. Boo. I am getting out on my bike now that the weather's being kinder so there's that, I guess. You run club looks so fun!
ReplyDeleteHOORAY for bike weather! <3
DeleteAnd you should join us sometime.:)
Turn down for what is one of my marathon anthems. It must be in all my marathon playlists.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge proponent of spin for cross training. Plus you can practice your "sprinting" and other ish like you said, which is half the battle for me because I don't move so quickly.
It's on Harry's playlist, too! Maybe it's time I throw it on mine.
DeleteYes! This! Cycling is such wonderful cross training for runners! You're working all of the same major muscle groups in the same plane of motion but with none of the impact. Great post, Tiffany!
ReplyDeleteDanke!:)
DeleteI tried spin ONCE at the gym (no longer belong to that gym lol) but I'll never do it again! It was the most painful experience I've ever had LOL!
ReplyDeleteThis makes my heart sad! I will teach you one day, and you will LOVE it!
DeleteI love spin class. It's like a really good torture...haha. I also like hot yoga, it's fun. I can't find good places around here though for classes... :(
ReplyDeleteNo lie: I tried Bikram Yoga ONCE. That was enough for me.:P
DeleteFirst time reader here and I could not relate more to this post! I'm a runner, slow runner but runner non the least. Back in the fall I bought a bike to ride around the campground then in December I started attending a spin class. Since then I've run 4 half's and PR's in 3 of them with the 4th being withing 1.5 minutes! I truly believe in spinning to use as a cross training for runners! Thank you for that! Sharing and bookmarking for future reference. :)
ReplyDeleteTHIS is a WONDERFUL story that made my heart beam! Congrats on the races and PRs, and I'm so happy you could relate to this.:)
DeleteI just tired to reply and I'm not sure if it posted lol this is a great post. As a runner and Spinning instructor and I always trying to get fellow runners to cross-train with cycling!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! We should start a movement (literally and metaphorically).:)
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Hello,good to read out this new informative post. spinning door cycling is really good to build the leg muscle and also increase the potential of faster running. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDelete