Any runners out there who don't lift?

I run. I lifted up until a couple of months ago when my schedule went all wonky. I'll get back to it after vacation in a couple of weeks.

I don't mind lifting. I don't love it, but it makes a difference for running and for everyday. My posture is better when I lift. I run faster even when I feel tired and engaging my core is more automatic. I notice that my left ankle that is always on the stiff side is more flexible. On the other hand, I'm running and lifting pre-fatigued more often than not, and it's difficult to be in even a slight deficit without becoming exhausted.

i don't lift. i do yoga and aerial yoga which is a lot of body weight stuffs.
i don't find lifting interesting. i try to just do what i find interesting.
maybe rock climbing..

I'm a runner and I lift (but not heavy - specifically geared towards core, hips, glutes etc) and this may be anecdotal but.....

This year I decided to be more consistent with my strength training and two things happened.

1. I ran injury free this year
2. I set new PBs in my 5K, 10K, sprint & Olympic duathlons, and half-marathon

I still view it as a bit of a chore (I'm doing 3 sessions of 30 to 45 minutes on average) but based on the results I'm sold....

I've done the gym thing before in my life, once for two years on a regular basis, and I just don't enjoy it. I also don't enjoy paying for it as I'd rather buy more running shoes. Or beer.

It's not that I dislike working out because once I'm there, I'm into it. My primary issue is I don't enjoy working out while indoors -- I don't even like running indoors, I want to do my sweating outside in the fresh air, even if that means running through cold Vancouver winter rain. I'd much rather be running hills in the mountains. Give me space and fresh air please - the environment I'm in is just as important to me as the workout.

Sometimes I'll run to a distant park to use equipment along an outdoor fitness circuit. At the bare minimum I'll do some pull-up sets on the overhead bar. A 15km run, some pull ups, dog gets to chase squirrels = a pretty perfect 90 minutes. No line ups. No gym membership required. Hmnn... I think I'll do this one today.

Somebody_Loved wrote: »

I've always been of the mindset that the only workout routine you'll stick to is the one you enjoy.

Not sure i agree. I don't enjoy some of the strength exercises i do, but i know i benefit both physically & mentally, so i do them. Not everything that i need to do in life is fun.

mwyvr wrote: »

Sometimes I'll run to a distant park to use equipment along an outdoor fitness circuit. At the bare minimum I'll do some pull-up sets on the overhead bar. A 15km run, some pull ups, dog gets to chase squirrels = a pretty perfect 90 minutes. No line ups. No gym membership required. Hmnn... I think I'll do this one today.

I have a WOSS trainer set that I can throw in my Camelbak, run out to the woods and set it up on a tree. That gives me the opportunity to warm up, do some bodyweight work and then run home again.

It's still dull, given all the waiting around between sets, but at least it's out in the real.

So glad you posted this question - I totally agree! I found a workout on pinterest that I sometimes use for my cross-training days. It isn't weights, but many of the moves are ones you did as a child in gym class - jumping jacks, situps, squats, push-ups. For us runners who hate weight-lifting, let's try to focus on weight-bearing exercises. I have a feeling any exercise that builds the muscles around those we use for running will improve our performance. Befriend me and we'll improve upon this together!