Strength training before a long run?

keschuh79
keschuh79 Posts: 29
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm planning on running my first 8k this weekend. A few hours before the race starts, my local gym has a sculpt (strength training) class that I normally love to take. How smart is it to take an hour strength training class a few hours before a 5 mile run? I love the class and hate to miss it, but I'm worried it may hurt my ability to run later on. My muscles are occasionally sore after a class. And I want to make sure I run this whole thing (even if it's at a snails pace).

Advice?

Replies

  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    Depends as to whether its just a training run ... or if its a race.
    If its a race and you want to do your best, then I wouldnt do the class.
    If its just a training run and you have done that distance before, then I would think it would be a big deal!
  • AllyS7
    AllyS7 Posts: 480 Member
    I'd say if you are running the race and have a goal for it such as, not walking, PR, or what-have-you, then don't do the class. Also in my totally nonprofessional opinion, if you don't usually do strength training before your long runs, then don't do it. You do not want to over strain your muscles and cause an injury.
  • keschuh79
    keschuh79 Posts: 29
    Yeah, it's my first 8k and I want to do well. I'll stay away from the strength training. Thanks!
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    Yeah, it's my first 8k and I want to do well. I'll stay away from the strength training. Thanks!

    Good luck -- you can do it! :)
  • jennajoehro
    jennajoehro Posts: 37 Member
    I'd advise to skip the class before the run. I'm doing something called embedded strength training for my 1/2 marathon training, where you run 1/2 your run, do a weightlifting circuit, then finish your run at the same pace as before. I do this every Thursday and it is ROUGH. My feet feel as though I have cinder blocks attached to them once I get back on the treadmill for the 2nd run portion. If you've never done strength training before running, you would likely find it to be very difficult. Just my $0.02 :o)
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