Happy Wednesday! I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I’ve been toying with the idea of switching up my workout routine for a while. After a few injuries last year, including rocking the #bootlife in November, I started to think about how I could *try* to avoid injury this year. I basically asked myself “What am I not doing that I should be doing?” That being said, I came up with a new workout routine that I’ve been testing out this month. So far, so good, but the real test will be when I start training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Monday!
Running
Obviously I’m still running, but I’m cutting it down to 3 days a week (it used to be four days a week). As mentioned earlier, I’ve been doing this for the past few weeks and it’s been working out well. I feel like I’m able to give more effort to my runs by only running three times a week. This also frees up an additional day for strength training. Right now I run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Spinning
I’m getting back to spinning and I love it! I always try to make the Sunday morning class and I’m working on incorporating another spinning class during the week – I just haven’t found the right class yet! I find that spinning helps me a lot with my endurance, which in turn helps me with my running as well.
Strength Training
I am using my extra day off from running to get in more strength training. This is usually in the form of boot camp or body works + abs classes, or simply doing a routine full of body weight exercises. What’s also great is that these workouts usually include corework as well, so added bonus!
Yoga
Every year I say “I’m committing to Yoga this year.” The difference this year is that I’m actually doing it! I’m starting off slow by doing Yoga once a week. Currently I use my Yoga for Runners DVD. If I get a little better I might be adventureous and try going to a class, but the DVD is perfect for me based on my very very very beginner level. I hope to be able to do yoga twice a week once marathon training starts in June. Currently I do yoga on Friday night and I love it because the extra stretching really helps with my Saturday long runs.
In addition to the above, I still go to my Active Release Therapy (ART) appointments every other week. This will increase to once a week starting in June.
On the days that I have shorter runs, I’ve also been doing quick, 10-15 minute core workouts.
I’m not sure if running 3 days a week will work for marathon training (if you have any feedback on this, please let me know!), but in looking at my half marathon training plan I should be okay.
That’s it! I’m hopeful that this new routine will be beneficial and help me to *hopefully* run injury free this year.
Have you ever switched up your workout routine? How many days per week do you run?
Looks like a great new routine! I love the balance that you’re striking between activities.
Thanks so much Jen! I really hope the new routine will work for me
It sounds like you have a great plan moving forward! 3 days of running plus plenty of cross-training sounds like a winner in my book! Spin, yoga, and boot camp are my favorites, but I haven’t been able to squeeze in boot camp in ages!
It’s so hard to squeeze everything in! I wish I could do more but my body is like “nah” lol
Love the way you switched things up! I only run 3 days a week and have been incorporating spinning into my routine as well- definitely a fun and different way to work on endurance.
Thanks Annmarie! If a rockstar like you only runs 3 times a week, I know I’m in good company 🙂
I am one of those who want to do it all so I change my routine fairly regularly. It keeps things interesting I think. Hope you enjoy your new activities!
Thanks! I have high hopes for this new routine!
I love cycling, but you’re right, with 4 days/week running, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else! I may have to double up on the weekends.
Exactly, I felt like I didn’t have enough time in the week to fit everything in! I hope this new schedule will provide more of a balance.
Do you do ART for prevention, or do you have an ongoing issue? I don’t go unless I’m in need because it adds up! I try to keep up with foam rolling but that doesn’t always happen.
Luckily I don’t pay too much per visit so that’s why I’m able to go so often. For me, I feel like it keeps my IT band pain at bay for the most part, and he also gives my back an adjustment as well. I’ve been a lot better about foam rolling this month and I can feel the difference.
I prefer to run only three days a week (currently, M, Th, Sat and Sun)…and Saturday is typically my long run. My body needs variety, so I try to do cross-training on the non-running days (with one of those days a very “light” day). I also do periodic strength-training (short sets of 15-20 minutes), yoga, and daily planking.
I love the idea of daily planking. I feel like I will have to work up to that, but it’s so good for your core!
I’ve used 3 days of running per week for all of my 5 marathons including my first. It’s the FIRST or Furman university or Runners World Run less Run faster book. I spin/cycle 2xs/week and cardio or regular kickboxing 1x/week and strength usually 3xs/ week. But I have had injuries but it’s been my IBS and not getting nutrition. And my hips can be tight making me land wrong. I’m working on my weak areas and cutting back to halves for a bit.
This is great Tina – thanks so much for the feedback!
I have also switched up my routine the past few weeks. I was really tired the first week but it is going much better now.
That’s great to hear! Glad you are liking your new routine so far.
looks like a solid plan! We all need to switch things up every once in awhile! good luck! 🙂
Thanks! I think the change will be good 🙂
I run 3-4 days a week.
When I was injured last year, I had to throw myself into cycling, spinning and yoga. It wasn’t quite the same as running, but I had to do what I had to do.
I agree. Those things are not the same but still offer a great workout!
I run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday also. In between, I bike, swim and strength train. Cross training definitely helps each triathlon leg.
I wish that I enjoyed swimming because I know its such a great workout!
I think your new routine sounds great! With strength training and yoga, I think you’ll be fine training for a full marathon running only 3 days a week. 🙂
Thanks for the vote of confidence! 🙂
I don’t have time to run more than 3 days a week and still have time for cross and strength training. I’ll be starting marathon training this summer, and still plan to run 3 days per week.
That’s awesome and good to know. I’m going to work with my coach to design a plan around my 3 runs per week
Incorporating more strength and yoga is such a smart idea.
I am adding in barre once a week for strength/stretching to hopefully help with injury prevention too.
I really want to try barre but I’m so scared!
This sounds like a great plan! It sounds similar to what Ive been trying to do. Ive been thinking about getting that yoga for runners DVD. Glad to hear you like it!
I would definitely recommend the Yoga for Runners DVD!
I think the switch up keeps the workouts more fun…sometimes logging miles can be boring and exhausting. So jealous of that roller…I think I’m going to add it to my Mother’s day list!
I agree – sometimes it can just feel like we are going through the motions.
Definitely add that roller to your Mother’s Day wishlist!