Someone told me that Runners need to do more than just run.

[caption id="attachment_581" align="aligncenter" width="446" caption="I look more like this, than like a "Real" weight lifter. SCRAWNY RUNNERS UNITE!"][/caption]

So, last night I had a 5 mile run lined up - per Hal Higdon's plan.  This is how the evening played out. (Did you notice the clever attempt at foreshadowing, reading you - the reader - to wonder if I did actually end up doing the 5 mile run? I've been working on my writing skills...)

I brought my kids over to the YMCA for the "how to not need a life guard to save you" class, and decided it was time to start adding weights into my routine. I had planned on doing this a couple of weeks ago, and thought about it for months before that - but I move slowly.  I needed the proper timing (yeah! That's it!), and last night was it.  I decided on a nice chest/shoulders/triceps work out.  "Back in the day" I used to enjoy lifting - and wasn't to surprised to find out I still do.  I did find out that compared to running, it is boring without a workout partner.  (Wonder if lifting could be husband-wife "Bonding time")  Despite that, it was a fair (but not crippling) workout - I can move my arms/chest/shoulders today, but they are definitely sore.

After the swim lessons were over, we headed home and I headed out for a five mile run.  To be honest, I wasn't feeling it.  The might have been a good thing however, as  a quarter mile into it someone asked me about my Vibram Five Finger Bikilas.  Since I wasn't "into it,"  I was more than happy tos top and chat!  I talked with this nice couple for a few minutes about minimalist shoes in general (And VFFs specifically.)  As a quick segue, It amazes me how many runners live within 1 block of me.  We have no less than 8 marathoners (and I mean regularly do them, not one-shot marathoners) and twice that in "runners" in general - that do 5ks and the like.  It seems like a very high percentage to me - but it is nice. Lots of "head nods" and camaraderie at our annual block party.  Once my neighbors found out I was training for a marathon - it was an all new "in."   I was part of the club as a fellow runner - but apparently as a fellow (future) marathoner - I am even MORE in the club!

GREATEST STUFF EVER!

But back to yesterday's run - my achilles tendon on my left leg has been sore and it was definitely stiff at the beginning of the run.  The KT Tape (wonderful stuff!)  has helped it improve, and I was glad I had it on - the tendon did loosen up a mile or two into it.  Weather-wise, it wasn't to hot (a rather nice change)- although I found I may have already acclimated to carrying a water bottle with me.  I missed it.

Not a bad workout-day, and far superior to doing a run on the treadmill.  I am still working out what my weight lifting routine is going to be. I am tossing around MWF, alternating Chest, Shoulders and Triceps with Legs, Back and Biceps.  I had also tossed around the idea of doing the same alternation but 4 or 5 days a week, or doing full circuit on MWF.  Anyone out there add lifting to their regular running routine? What do you do?

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