Strength training and why it makes a HUGE difference when training for races

When I first started training seriously for marathons, I was all in on running. I would follow my training plan consistently and exclusively, but what it lacked was a strength training component. I trained for the NYC marathon and met my "C" goal on a very hot and humid record breaking day in the city. Definitely a race I am proud of and without a doubt LOVED the NYC Marathon. An experience like no other.
The bug hit me for the marathon majors and I quickly realized I was close to a BQ time and was going to go after it. Meanwhile I applied for the Chicago Marathon lottery and while it was a shot in the dark....I got accepted!! I had a plan for running the Sugarloaf Marathon in May of 2023 in an attempt to qualify for Boston and 5 months later running the Chicago Marathon. I knew at this point, the only way to get through both marathons with time goals was to add in strength training. I added body weight and heavy lifting workouts 2-3 times per week in an effort to stay injury free, build strength for hill running, and get to the start and finish line healthy. Keep your easy days easy, and your hard days hard! Enter May 2023 as I headed to Maine for the Sugarloaf Marathon. What is considered a downhill marathon because of the elevation drop, certainly takes a toll on your quads. Was glad I added in strength training to be able to tolerate the elevation changes. Successfully crossed that finish line with an 8 minute BQ buffer, tired legs, but all smiles. Lots of work that came together on race day made it all worth. Chicago 2023 - a few months later, came up quickly. While a flat race, I still continued with strength training focusing on whole body strength. I successfully crossed that finish line with a 6 minute PR and another BQ as a 45 year old single mom!
One of the things I can attribute to the changes in the training with these races as opposed to earlier marathons was the addition of strength training. My body and legs became better able to handle the impact of running 50+ mile weeks. The tendons and ligaments are stronger, my arms had more endurance and less fatigue for longer running. If you want to add easy to complete strength training programs that will no doubt take your running to the next level, consider this program. Currently Bodi is offering a $99 special right now through the end of August! Never seen before! You get 3 months of access to hundreds of Bodi Workouts (strength, pilates, yoga) to choose from which includes 2 Super blocks (3 week progressive programs), a months supply of a nutritous shake that provides a ton of vitamins and minerals that we need for recovery, accountability with other mom runners (there is nothing like group support when you need it most!). This is the best way to add in strength training with easy press play type workouts at home. I will be able to help you choose which programs would work for you and help you add them to your training plan in the best way possible. Running is the main goal so we are very creative about adding strength work in so your legs are fresh when they need to be. And really...for only $99 you get access to a HUGE variety of programs, a yummy shake, and a 30 day money back guarantee. But I can guarantee...you won't need it! Join us now!

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