After last weeks squatting routine, I swore I would never squat again. I was sore for five days after and I complained every single day. I know you find that hard to believe, but I did. Then on Sunday during the last two miles of the half marathon, when I was ready to throw in the bag because I had used up all my speed, I found a little bit of hidden power and strength and was able to finish with a respectable time (for me) by lifting my legs with my quad muscles. My mantra for the last two miles was lift, lift, lift . . . I was able to turnover my legs and not succumb to the temptation to walk. So, with that in mind, today we upped the squat weight to 105 pounds – which isn’t a whole lot – but enough to slowly build a little more strength.
My body responds really well to lifting weights. I know the general rule of thumb for endurance athletes is to lift light and do a lot of reps, but I tend to run better when I lift heavier. I’m curious to know what you Internet People thing about weight lifting and running?
Be warned, the following videos may show a little more cheek than you want to see. You’ll see me squat 105 in the middle of the first video. (Katy, that’s the ball tooting not me.) Also, the scorpion stretch is not the most pleasant thing I’ve ever done – much harder, and louder, than squatting.
Just Shoot Me Now 2 from Runner Susan on Vimeo.
Scorpion Stretch from Runner Susan on Vimeo.
Susan, we are built just the same way in more ways that just one. My body responds great to lifting heavy. The lighter weights and high reps did absolutley nothing for me. Once I began to lift heavy with less reps I saw great progress. My rule of thumb is if I can lift it 6 times I need to increase weight. A perfect lift for me is 4-5 reps; 3 sets. You go girl!!
Can’t see the video, and the title is almost NSFW, but in general you come from the same end of the gene pool as myself and family on both sides. I can tell you that I am most comfortable with heavy weight on reps and my body takes it and runs – so to speak – with it. I actually ahve to avoid weights to keep from putting on bulk I don’t need as a cyclist.
That being said…the power is intoxicating is it not??
cheekysusan.com? LOL
You are getting stronger!
Suz,
Great lifting today! You are so strong! Love it love it!
i think she needs to zoom in on your face more during your can-can from hell. sure, show the exercise, but then zoom in on your “i’m not going to eat liver and onions” face.
I love lifting weights and I don’t enjoy doing little pansy weights with low reps. I enjoy the big boy stuff, especially free weights. There is just something so exhilerating about challenging your body with bigger and bigger weights every week. I was my fastest in running when I was working out 2x’s/week with a trainer who worked my butt off. I moved to a new state and I miss my workouts with him so much. He helped my legs get strong so even when I was feeling tired, I knew I had the muscles to get me through any race. So, I totally believe in the connection between weight training and running! Keep it up–your legs look even hotter in your heels now! 🙂
SUSAN – LET ME BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT – WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW HAPPY ARE YOU?!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many people speak about lifting weight when one wants to shed fat and put muscle. It may not be possible to many as they will be aged or young. weight training programs are good to work with to lose fat and gain muscle easily for aged and young ones.
Does Cindy twist you into knots as punishment for something you’ve done wrong? Can’t be because you’re not getting stronger – you are!
I don’t lift weights because I’m brawny enough from knocking down those cross ties on the railroad gang.
Susan, if I were as speedy as you, I wouldn’t even contemplate running a billion miles.
I ran (yes, ran) better when I lifted puny weights with high reps instead of heavy weights and low reps. I don’t think it really matters too much either way – the mental strength from trying to keep pushing through a rep just before you quit the set carries over to running.
Concrats whit your good half marathon time and whit this time you run the marathon in 4:30 hour!!!!!!.
And a nice video training!.
Groet Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/?home=1