Running & high intensity cardio?

seesaey

Hello all! I have been running for about 7 months now ans have signed up for my first half marathon which is in February. So far my longest runs have been 7 miles. I started training for the half marathon a few weeks ago and 4 days ago I started TurboFire (doing it on the days I don't run). When I just run (with 2 days of strength) I don't feel like I am working hard enough plus I love TurboFire! This morning though I ran 7 miles. It was tough... really tough. I am not sure if it is because I TurboFire into the mix, because it has been a week since I ran (the husbands schedule has changed so I couldn't get out until today), or if my food has been off (I seem to consistantly be below my target calories, by like 700 calories). I do know that i need to run with water or diluted sports drink for longer distances. Any suggestions? Have you ever done another cardio program on top of running? I don't have anyone to talk to around here about it so i am totally lost! Thanks for listening to me ramble, I just want to be in the best shape for my half, I am so excited for it!

crux

Possibly a combination of a break in the running routine and adding some intense cardio.

The more intense the workout, the longer you need to recover from it. I don't know turbo fire so can't say how intense it is, but if your doing a lot of intensive cardio then that can make your endurance runs a little more taxing.

But more likely is that taking off a week just sets you back a tiny bit, don't worry though, a few more runs and you should be feeling back to full power.

if the long runs remain overly tough in the weeks ahead then id look at cutting back on turbofire.

mlb929

I do High Intensity Cardio most day - and run 1 to 2 days a week. I am currently doing Asylum and have ran through P90X and 2 rounds of Insanity. It's really helped with my speed and endurance. I have to modify a little bit - but I've been able to do it just fine. I dropped on day of Insanity and ran instead, with Asylum, I have just skipped my day and picked up where I left off instead of dropping the workout.

That said - you will always have good days and bad days. Especially when you add in a new program. I find that I run better when I make sure my day before I run a very long run (13+ miles) that I make certain that I did Yoga or Relief or Recovery the day before. This allows me to have a day rest before I hit the long run. HIIT is so important as well as LSD runs for both types of training.

If you are 700 calories short, eat more - but eat quality foods. Don't add in carbs from sports drinks just to get your carbs up. I did my 8 mile run this Am on water alone, which is what I will do Thursday on my 15 mile run too. I also like Altima as a sports drink as it's low carb only electrolyte replacement, just my own choice tho.

I find that my worse runs are always followed by a super great run, out bodies do what is best at that time.

calderst

It could be either, really.
If my legs haven't recovered from a recent, intense workout, I can tell it when I run. For me, it just feels like they don't have as much power. Or they feel heavy.
Meanwhile, if it's a lack of calories, I feel it throughout my body, like a general sluggishness.

seesaey

Thanks for your opinions so far. I hate bad runs, but I know I will have good ones and bad ones. I do take my rest day the day before my long runs, I should try a long stretching session though. My husband and I think that it is the lack of calories, I have been super tired and blah this whole week. Am planning on researching some high calorie, good for your snacks so i can eat those instead of my lower calorie snacks. I will focus on more calories and give it a few weeks to see how more runs will feel!

mlb929

Thanks for your opinions so far. I hate bad runs, but I know I will have good ones and bad ones. I do take my rest day the day before my long runs, I should try a long stretching session though. My husband and I think that it is the lack of calories, I have been super tired and blah this whole week. Am planning on researching some high calorie, good for your snacks so i can eat those instead of my lower calorie snacks. I will focus on more calories and give it a few weeks to see how more runs will feel!

Instead of looking for higher calorie snacks, you may want to try higher protein. I've been reading the book racing weight - which suggests 30% protein in my diet. I"m having a hard time getting there.

I found Health Warrior Chia Bars they re 100 calories and pack a great punch. Have you tried the P90X results and recovery formula - that's a great option too. I half the scoops to 1 instead of 2 and it's 110 calories. Greek Yogurt plain 0% fat plus 1 tablespoon of 100% fruit spread is another option.

sharesb

I do both TurboFire and Zumba during the week along with running -- I love both! I have been doing both since June and for me, I find that because I do TF and Zumba, they actually make my runs easier. I think at the beginning it might be a bit tougher but once you condition yourself, it could very well make it easier for you.

I find that I run two-three times a week and I am still able to increase my distance without any soreness!

As for the calories, I eat approximately 1800 calories a day and it works very well for me. I found that since I increased my calorie intake I have more energy *and* I lost more weight!