C25K and aerobics

Muzica1959

I posted this question in my "Every Day Runners" thread but I have asked so many questions in that thread and the thread is getting a bit long, I'm afraid it might not be seen much so....

Another question lol. Sorry but they just keep popping into my head.

Since I am doing the C25K 3 times a week to start and doing aerobics the other 3 days would it hurt anything for me to do an aerobic workout BEFORE I do my run for the day. ,maybe 2 or 3 hours before? That way I could get in 6 aerobic workouts a week as well as 3 runs until I work my way up to running every day.

scubasuenc

I don't know specifically about running, but I do know that there are days I do double workouts and both include a significant cardio component. One thing is both of my cardio activities are low impact (stationary bike and elliptical). I'm not sure I'd do doubles on a day where I was doing something that had impact like running.

You need to be sure you rest well between the sessions and make sure you are well hydrated and properly nourished. Typically there is at least 4 hours between my sessions and I am wiped out by the time I'm done.

Finally, make sure you listen to your body. Sometimes I cannot complete my second cardio as I'd like because I'm cramping or sore from the earlier workout. You are more likely to injure yourself working your body so hard, so you need to be careful to listen to your body.

Muzica1959

My aerobics are low impact such as Richard Simmons Sweatin' or Zumba.

LoneWolfRunner

Muzica... if you really want to hit a second cardio on your run days, I would do it after you run, not before, especially if you want to build up your running time and distance. You don't want to fry your legs before you even hit the pavement. If it was me, on my non-running days I would do my "lighter" aerobic routines and then on my running days, I would follow my run with my more intense aerobic routine. That way I would be pounding myself hard three days with lighter, recovery days in between.

CodeMonkey78

Muzica... if you really want to hit a second cardio on your run days, I would do it after you run, not before, especially if you want to build up your running time and distance. You don't want to fry your legs before you even hit the pavement. If it was me, on my non-running days I would do my "lighter" aerobic routines and then on my running days, I would follow my run with my more intense aerobic routine. That way I would be pounding myself hard three days with lighter, recovery days in between.

Hi Muzica! ^^This is good advice. I have a couple of recommendations as well if you are interested.

I know that you are really enthusiastic about running more often and longer. If you want to do that, I highly recommend cross training, strengthening, and yoga in addition to your running.

An example: I knew that if I wanted to run again, I needed to strengthen all of the muscles around my knees, legs, and back/core to take pressure off of my joints (both my knee and back docs reiterated this). So before I started pounding the pavement, I spent a LOT of time alternating between the elliptical machine, cycling (upright or recumbent depending on what you are able to do), ARC trainer, and body weight exercises (squats, lunges, etc.). Not only will this strengthen, it will help you build your cardio base (so you can run). I also did yoga in the sauna for recovery on both light and heavy work days.

** To be perfectly clear ** I did not go into the sauna to cut water weight or for any other BS reason -- I just found it to be more CHALLENGING (both physically/mentally) and it was relaxing. If you do this, take plenty of water with you and stay properly hydrated. As always, listen to your body and rest if your body is telling you to rest.

HTH! Good luck!

Muzica1959

Thanks for the advice. As for strength training, I am slowly adding these into my workouts 3 times a week...body weight squats (10), single leg squats (10), single leg deadlifts (10) and planks (for as long as I can hold it lol. My youngest daughter has to move back home for a bit so I will have my elliptical back for a while.

I will take this advice and "run" with it lol.

You folks ROCK!!!