Read Anatomy for Runners

likitisplit

The book "Anatomy for Runners" is basic explanation for how we make physical gains and where injury comes from, and helps you analyze and fix any foundational form issues you might have.

I highly recommend it if you have any questions about form, cross training, improving as a runner, avoiding injury or using minimal shoes.

timeasterday

I am reading this book right now. I think this may completely change my whole outlook on running & cross training. I seriously need to spend more time on working my balance and core strength, and less time slinging around dumbbells with P90X. Don't get me wrong, P90X was great and really transformed my body in 3 months but it's time consuming and doesn't address the specific things that are holding me back as a runner. And it may be adding to my existing imbalances.

KathleenKP

I seriously need to spend more time on working my balance and core strength, and less time slinging around dumbbells with P90X. Don't get me wrong, P90X was great and really transformed my body in 3 months but it's time consuming and doesn't address the specific things that are holding me back as a runner. And it may be adding to my existing imbalances.

So that's what the yoga booth and poses were all about at my last race festival. LOL.

I've been following some of your posts. It sounds like you are going to be (kind of already are) a serious runner. And I've heard serious runners and weight lifting don't go all that well together. (Personally, I couldn't give up the lifting. It's too important for so many reasons for me...but I am not a born runner, nor do I ever expect to be one of the fast ones...which kind of puts me at a disadvantage in the triathlons.)

rduhlir

I seriously need to spend more time on working my balance and core strength, and less time slinging around dumbbells with P90X. Don't get me wrong, P90X was great and really transformed my body in 3 months but it's time consuming and doesn't address the specific things that are holding me back as a runner. And it may be adding to my existing imbalances.

So that's what the yoga booth and poses were all about at my last race festival. LOL.

I've been following some of your posts. It sounds like you are going to be (kind of already are) a serious runner. And I've heard serious runners and weight lifting don't go all that well together. (Personally, I couldn't give up the lifting. It's too important for so many reasons for me...but I am not a born runner, nor do I ever expect to be one of the fast ones...which kind of puts me at a disadvantage in the triathlons.)

This isn't actually true. Weight lifting is a very important cross-train for runners. Weight lifting helps build strong core, leg and arm muscles. I think a more correct way of putting what you said would be "Extreme weight lifting and running doesn't go well together." This past weekend, the PT speaker my running club had was emphasizing how important weight lifting is for runners and for recovery. Strong muscles don't only help you become a stronger person, but strong, well worked muscles also reduce recovery times and decrease injury chances.

To Timeasterday: I too have the P90X box set. I got into month 2 before doing it -and- C25K become too much. I do however believe that the Plyometric CD would be a great cross train video.

timeasterday

To Timeasterday: I too have the P90X box set. I got into month 2 before doing it -and- C25K become too much. I do however believe that the Plyometric CD would be a great cross train video.

I will try the Plyo workout once I assess my imbalances. That book mentions plyo is good but only when you have a balanced foundation. But on the other hand my sports MD told me not to do plyo - he was specifically referring to P90X so maybe next time I see him I'll ask which exercises are OK. I have a feeling I will be seeing him soon with this persistent groin pain.

Kathleen - strength training is very important as rduhlir said. I just need to find the right balance time-wise. I think it's time I joined a gym again. We don't have enough weights at home to challenge me and I think I could accomplish a lot more in less time by working with heavier weights.

likitisplit

I definitely vote for weight lifting as an important component of running. Being fit makes you fit. A good muscle foundation makes you faster and protects you from injury. I'm working my way through New Rules of Lifting for Women.

Now, I'd never lift to the point where it would slow me down as a runner - but knowing my physiology, that would be a LOT of weight lifting anyway.