Thursday, November 10, 2016

Not just a Runner


Hello, my name is Kim, and I'm an ultra-marathoner (currently in training for my sixth marathon). But I'm not just a runner.

You've probably heard me say that (more than once). Running is my sport of choice, but it's not the only thing I do to stay active and in shape.

Yes, I've been training for a marathon for the past few months. And yes, running has been the main focus of all things physical. But it's not the only thing I've been doing. In fact, there are several other fitness go-to's in my arsenal.

When I'm not in my running shoes, you'll find me doing these:

1. Stair-climbing. Hands-down, stair-climbing is my second most favorite-ist aerobic activity. It gets the heart pumping (rather quickly!) and works practically every muscle from the waist-down. You can read more about my love of stair-climbing  HERE .


taking it to the stairs
2. Planking. Oh, do I LOVE my planks! Runners benefit from having strong cores, and planks are (in my opinion) one of the most effective ways to strengthen your core. Did you know I'm hosting a planking challenge for November? (details HERE)

#planks4thewin
3. Strength-training. If I've said it once, I've said it several times.....I love my muscles! I do not go hard-core, hours at a time, maxing out on the weights. I do, however, manage a little bit of work each week with my hand weights (I do a lot more strength work when I'm not in full-on marathon training).

Don't call me skinny
4. Yoga. I haven't been very consistent with yoga in recent months, but I have been doing it in moderation. Again, I am a little more disciplined with yoga when I'm not so focused on marathoning. I especially love the challenge of doing yoga....it's actually quite a paradox how the "better"one gets at doing the poses, the more difficult they become because you can hold them longer and deeper.

ahhh...how low can you go?
5. Cycling. I am by no means, a seasoned biker chick. I have a mountain bike (which still hasn't been properly named) that I dust off every now and then and take for a spin. I need to invest in a road bike (and, probably, some biking shoes). Cycling is a great activity on the non-running days because it has zero-impact on the feet and knees, but still works the legs and gets the heart pumping.

ready to hit the road
So, that's a short peak into my fitness life. I don't believe in sitting still, but I do believe in proper rest and recovery following tough workouts. I try to do 20-minutes of "activity" every day, even if' it's just a casual walk with the dog. And, I do planks every morning to get my body revved up for the day. Now, if I could just get myself to bed at a decent time....

How about you? Do you do cross-training to enhance your running? What's your favorite non-running exercise?

I'm linking up with Lacey and Meranda and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.....care to join us? Head over, check out the blogs! Today we're talking about other activities we do when we have the time.







41 comments:

  1. I do try to use my stationary bike & swimming for cross training. I LOVE yoga, but these days I'm in & out of it -- I find it easier to be more consistent with it when the weather is warmer.

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    1. Yoga is also hard for me to be consistent with, I especially have a tough time staying focused on the here & now. The struggle is real!

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  2. I'm happy that I teach body pump a few days a week because if it wasn't for that I probably wouldn't strength train by myself. I also teach a cycling class, but I do not own a road bike.

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    1. I seriously need a better bike...I'm just have not been willing to make that kind of commitment ($$$) to something I'm totally head-over-heels (wheels?) in love with...

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  3. No, you do not sit still for sure! I love my yoga classes, I wish I could do more. Activities outside are the best! I love a little sun on my face :)

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  4. I was such a great planker and then I fell off the wagon. I need to get back on because it was such a great challenge.

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    1. I'm so used to doing the daily planks (and then some LOL), that I don't even think about making time for it anymore. I'm glad I discovered the power of planking!

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  5. I've always been so impressed by all of that stair climbing that you do. You're quite the beast!

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    1. Hey, stair-climbing is a quick means to a great workout...lots of leg work and cardio!

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  6. All great things that we've incorporated into your training!

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  7. Stair climbing is a beast to be reckoned with! It works most of the "running" muscles, but in a different way.

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  8. I have always found your stair climbing so impressive and no one holds those planks like you do!

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    1. You are welcome to join me any time...on the stairs or on the floor ;-)

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  9. Great reminder that we ALL need to do more than just run!! Even if it's what I'd prefer

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    1. When I first started running, I didn't do anything else. I thought runners "ran." I'm glad I finally got the wake-up call to do other things to prevent over-use injuries. Lesson learned!

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  10. I love all these activities! I'd say strength training and yoga are where I spend most my time now, but I sure do love my runs too!

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    1. I need to get back to a more consistent routine with yoga. My body needs the extra stretching and relaxation....oh well, my marathon is in nine days, so it won't be long before I'll have a little extra down time ;_)

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  11. They were planking on the Today show today and I thought of you. I wish I did it more. It doesn't take much time.

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    1. You are correct, it doesn't take much time! Go ahead...get down and assume the position ;-)

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  12. Variety is so important! I think my next favorite after running is probably strength training. Love my weights.

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    1. I don't do much weights with my legs (but do a lot of squats and lunges), but I really like the arm work....there are so many variations on upper body training, no excuses ;-)

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  13. I love cycling and strength training, too!! Cross training is so important...so glad I started that a few years ago. When I first began my journey I only did one thing.

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    1. Same for me...I ran and did nothing else for the first several years. I'm glad that changed!

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  14. Lifting weights is probably my favorite form of cross training, but I like to mix it up from time to time.

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    1. Lifting weights is an easy thing to mix up...lots of options with hand weights, barbells, kettle bells, bands, etc.

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  15. You go rock the stairs -- and the planks!

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  16. Yes, I do lots of other things. I always do some kind of strength training as I like muscle definition in my arms :)
    Wish I lived somewhere with stairs, that indeed is a great cross train activity.

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    1. I love the definition in my arms, too ;-) The "skinny" look lost its appeal to me long ago ;-)

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  17. I guess that's why I like yoga--it never gets easy...

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    1. Yoga certainly keeps me humble LOL Although, my balance is much improved (still not stellar, but improved)

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  18. I do love stair climbing, although I've totally gotten away from it with this training cycle. It's definitely something I will return to.

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    1. YAY for the stairs!!! You should road trip to Iowa in April and do the Fight for Air Climb with me!

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  19. With the exception of the stair climbing, I do all those things for cross training. Although I would climb stairs if there were more available to me.

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    1. I'm glad I have easy access to stairs, even if it's just one flight in my house. Thankfully, there's an office building downtown that sometimes allows me access (it has 5 flights, including the basement).

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  20. If I didn't run I would play softball, ski, cycle, swim and lift. I learned a lot about you, thanks for sharing!

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    1. You must be a lot more athletically gifted than me LOL I've never even attempted to ski...that would be a total train wreck for me (#totalklutz)

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  21. You are awesome! I need to get on a regimen like yours! You look amazing!

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    1. Thanks ;-) I did two rounds of P90X several years ago, and that got me interested in total body fitness (not just running). I have not done the actual program since, but still do a lot of the workouts (modified) now just to maintain my form.

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