Runners who lift/lifters who run?

Wiltord1982

I've been on here for over three years and I noticed most people I know either do one or the other, but few do both. Am I a special person? I mean, I hit the gym five mornings per week and I run as many times. I like both equally. So, anyone is into both?

Add me if you are!

jennybearlv

I run, lift, and cycle too.

dpwellman

I do both.

powered85

I do both as well. Running is my main focus though. For weights I lift 5 times a week but only a few different exercises each day and not a lot of weight. Still have managed to recomp quite well compared to where I was at a few yrs ago.

iofred

used the lift as primary, and run for cardio when I was younger so much younger than today, where now I run as a prime (focus on long-distance), and throw around weights because I love it. Whenever I think I have reached an age where I want to be focusing on just cardio I manage that for approx 2 weeks, and the urge to do weights pops up again ... probably one of the few things I am very indecisive about

RoxieDawn

I do both..

LivingtheLeanDream

I do both but my love is running.

AMSmit88

I do both. Will add in more runs from next month when I'm cutting.

fitin50s2

I do both and enjoy both equally.

daltontf

Striving to be have decent strength via lifting and run a respectable 5K.

deannalfisher

triathlete who lifts - I do 5-6 days tri specific training (s/b/r); 2-3 weights and 1 yoga session a week

lkpducky

I do both as well. It's a bit of an adjustment - lifting can make my legs tired and stiff so my running slows down, so I'm trying to strike a balance because I really like both.

heybales

I'll do both.

Eventually the running program (actually cycling) hits a point that the lifting is interference, and I'm not going to get in a good lower body lifting program anyway. Or a good lifting program would ruin the cardio.

My available workout days, and the need for recovery and repair from lifting, or not be so tired out for good lifting, gets the matching up hard to do.

Usually drop lower body lifting eventually, and try to maintain upper program.

I guess I could go to maintenance mode and make little or no progress, but don't like wasting the time then.

stealthq

I was doing both, after a couple of years dropped lifting to work on running, then got injured. Probably not coincidence. Working back into lifting now, and I'll pick up running again as soon as I can.

H_Ock12

I do both, but my first love is lifting.

AJbandit88

I run every day but also try to lift at least three times a week. I love lifting weights but feel like I accomplish more by running. It is an adjustment doing both but I like the change of pace.

dpwellman

Runners should be targeting 6RM.

ritzvin

both.

dbanks80

I love both!

BigMech

I Lift, Run and Bike. I lift 6 days week, 3 of the them with my son. I usually run 15-20 miles per week, and bike 50-75. Keeping my legs strong with the lifting has definitely helped my longevity and performance in both the running and biking.

I want to be strong, fast and have endurance.

annaskiski

I do both as well.

I would like to do parkour. I keep adding parkour training exercises to my routine.

cqbkaju

You only have so much glycogen/ATP for your muscles and a finite recovery capability so you cannot go "100%" with running and lifting.
I am an advocate of lifting heavy (~ 4RM to 6RM) with HIIT for "running" - sprint there & walk back, pushing a sled, that sort of stuff.

Works for me and the fighters I coach.
It also seems to be a good balance of strength and "cardio" but that level of effort is not for everyone.

If I had to do only one, I would lift. If I can do both then I prioritize lifting over running.
You will rarely need to outrun something - unless you and your friends are on an episode of COPS on either side of the law...
The need need to move a couch or something is much more common.
The extra muscle keeps fat gains in check while lifting helps prevent osteoporosis, raises your Basal Metabolic Rate, triggers Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption ("EPOC" / the Afterburn Effect) and offsets sarcopenia among other things.

Steady-State cardio (like running) does not do the things lifting does.
People who only run often lose a lot of muscle in the process which lowers their BMR.

You should do both as best you can but balance your exercise to meet your goals.
If you want to do marathons then obviously you need to "run" more.

Either way, endurance is exercise-specific so running, lifting, sprints, jumping rope, swimming, etc. only helps a little with your endurance while grappling or boxing.
You may be able to run for 5 miles but you will still be gassed after boxing or rolling for less than a minute, probably less than 30 seconds.

Kimblesnbits13

I run 2 to 3 times a week (only 3-4 miles max) and lift 3-4 times a week. I have a treadmill at home so when I'm too lazy to lift, I'll run and catch up on tv shows.

longshot421

Run, bike, swim, and train jiu jitsu. I weight train 2-3 times a week as part of strength and conditioning, as well as maintain flexibility and joint health. I think weight training AT LEAST once a week is essential to improving running (or anything else!), maintaining bone density etc. As long as you lift with good form and know your limits, it can only help!

peleroja

I do both but I hate the lifting, I just do it because I don't want to be a frail old lady with brittle bones in thirty or forty years.

fitmom4lifemfp

I'm one...(though I am out of running for now due to a recovering knee!) and I know lots of folks at my gym that do both.

KatieJane83

I run, lift, and do a little zumba on the side, lol. My goals right now are running-based, half marathons and my first full marathon, so currently I'm using the lifting to help maintain my lean body mass and prevent injury from running. Also, my body just looks better when I keep up with the lifting.

chichidachimp

I do both! Lifting every other day keeps the runner's knee at bay

TavistockToad

I'm a runner... I need to become one who lifts....

lporter229

stealthq wrote: »

I was doing both, after a couple of years dropped lifting to work on running, then got injured. Probably not coincidence. Working back into lifting now, and I'll pick up running again as soon as I can.

Seriously this. Running has always been my primary focus, but I used to maintain a pretty good balance between running and lifting, as well as yoga. I would focus on running (supplemented with body weight exercises and yoga) for 3 or 4 months leading up to a marathon and then focus more on lifting during the in between. This worked well for a long while until I qualified for the 2017 Boston marathon in October of 2015. I was so freaked out about loosing my running fitness in the 18 month gap, that I spent most of my time running and neglected to do much of anything else. Now I find myself 1 month away from the race I worked so hard for with a severe case of hamstring tendonitis.

I have been seeing a PT for the last 4 weeks and he has me doing a butt load of strength and stretching exercises with a serious cutback in my mileage. It's helping, but I know the marathon is going to be a suckfest because of my own stubborn stupidity. This has been a huge lesson in the merits of maintaining a strength training program, even if it is not your primary fitness focus. Please runners, learn from my experience and don't forget to work on your strength!*jumps off soap box*

cqbkaju

@lporter229 Well said. I have been trying to get this through to people for almost 30 years now.
It is sad that people will come up with every excuse under the sun not to lift.
Some get injured and still make excuses not to lift.