Strength Training: Venting

As we move through the strength portion of our training season, I remember what it feels like to be sore from lifting weights and doing squats and lunges and those hateful crunches. I hate ab workouts so much. Nothing makes me want to puke more than sit ups. And I don't like walking away from a workout session feeling nauseous. Sweaty? I don't mind. A little bit light in the head? Not a problem. Finding it difficult to grip a water bottle? Sure, okay. Nauseous? Not acceptable. Not ever. No thank you.

Fortunately our coaches only have us do those little crunches and leg lifts that work the area, which I can tolerate a little here and there.

I find that punching exercises are the most fun. Take a wide stance with a little bit of a squat, holding in your core (tummy) twisting your trunk as you punch across your body from side to side. This reminds me of karate in high school. I must suppress a kiai with each fist jab. I don't want my team to think I'm crazy.

I have done a miserable job of trying to practice these strength training moves at home. Tuesday nights, once a week, that's all I do. I find my work and volunteer schedule allow little time for me to sit and play on the computer to amuse myself, let alone get to the business of planks and bridges.

This Saturday - 6 or 7 miles at Dockweiler Beach for the All Team Event! This should be awesome.

Strength Training?

When we first joined Team In Training, our cross training nights involved Strength Training. We're talking all those humbling exercises that show you how sad your stabilizer muscles and core strength really is. Planks and bridges, man. Planks and bridges.

Anyhow, we actually did make it to the gym a few days ago and I tried some of those strength moves again with the addition of a few new things I watched/read that are supposed to be helpful for runners.

When I say "tried" I really mean "sampled". I figure it was a start and it did encourage me toward the idea of supplying myself with the basic equipment necessary to do these workouts at home...away from the scrutinizing and curious eyes of the other women and men of the gym. I don't know why but it really messes with my focus when others are walking around me as I lay on the ground trying to lift my hips into the air and squeeze my glutes.

More on home gym later.