From toe to head!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 · Mike Davis

Today was strength training day which I got up at 5:10am to accomplish! As daylight is now longer I am going to try and add another run day to my running schedule, with Monday being the most likely day. Right now I’m strength training 3 days a week, running 3 days a week and using Sunday as some type of recreational exercise day. I suppose I could run on Sundays but I like a down day from running after a long run on Saturday. As the weather improves I may also eliminate a strength training day in favor of a running day. For now (starting next week), I will most likely strength train early in the day on Monday and go for an easy run later on that same day. My intentions or belief is that getting a few additional miles in during the week will help make my Saturday long run better. Right now I am at a pretty solid 8 miles for my long run with the intentions of increasing to 9 by the end of the month. Some days it’s easier than others. Because I’m not focusing on training for a particular race, I have pretty much split my workouts between strength training and running. Running is definitely my activity of choice, but I also enjoy the benefits that resistance training provides me. Unlike in my earlier years I now focus on strong lean muscles that balance out my running. From time to time I look at some of my heavier weights and am tempted to throw them around, but I remind myself that my goal is lean and flexible muscles. I am pleased at this point as I feel pretty fit and balanced from my toes to my head! I include my head because I am always working on the muscle between my ears and thanks to the benefits of full body fitness, I am feeling good mentally. I don’t ever foresee running not being my main focus, but at the same time I want my entire body strong and fit. Amazingly I do 90 percent of my work out on a mat with 2 sets of dumbbells. My basement has multiple sets of dumbbells, a full complement of free weights to go with my weight bench, bands, an elliptical and a kettle bell. Yet I can put myself through 10 circuit resistance training without most if not all of this stuff. I like having all of the equipment as it does give me options, but having a simple 10 circuit training program makes working out easy. Tomorrow is a run day for me and I’m hoping to get in a 6 mile run or possibly an interval workout. The fact that we are supposed to get heavy rain might dictate what my run ends up being. Over the past few weeks I have been getting some Fartleks on the treadmill and the rest of my miles on the road. Fartleks (random intervals), are a great tool for the monotonous treadmill so I make the most of it. It seems as if I have slowed down a great deal over the past year but hopefully as I get some time on a track I will improve my pace some. Hopefully I have some faster runs in me! Well, enjoy your week and take advantage of the longer daylight!