Good morning!
Sunday, I chatted (in length) about the joy I had running the 10K race with my wife. In that chat I mentioned how I pushed to the finish, despite both calves being super tight and just waiting to pop. I have been running pretty much nonstop for quite some time now and even when I took some downtime for an injury, it was not substantial. Over the past 2 years, I have struggled with both of my calves and that has challenged my running enjoyment for sure. So, I am going to take a month off from running.
I am not good at not running, so taking a month off is not going to be easy for me. This month out of my running shoes is not going to be a month of sitting, but instead I am going to use it to help my running.
Taking a month away from something that benefits me on multiple levels is not easy, but if I can spend the time focusing on strength, stability, agility, and rest, I will survive not being in my Kinvaras (my running shoes of choice). I am fairly disciplined about my strength training, and I also do some stuff that benefit my calves, I have not been as consistent as I need to be.
The strength training workout I designed for myself is challenging and great for full body muscle building, but it is not the best workout for running functionality. While I like the benefits from this workout, I know that to achieve my goal of healthy running for many more years, I need to develop a strength training plan that I specifically need for functionally running better. Combining my knowledge as both certified running coach and personal trainer, I am going to approach “my” specific needs, to develop my strength training. I asked my fellow ACE personal trainer Kathy (wife) to develop a strength training plan that I can do once a week, and I will design one I can do 2 other days. I am excited to have her help!
The problem with most strength training plans that are utilized, even the ones that are said to be running specific, is that they are not specific to an individual. I like many that I have read and even tried, but none of them take the individual runners muscle weaknesses, stability issue and flexibility limitations into consideration. Most strength training plans will help some, but unless they address your specific issues, the benefits will be minimal, and may even contribute negatively or worse, cause an injury.
So, I am taking a month away from my Kinvaras, but I am not taking time away from my running. Along with my new focus on my functional strength training, I will add some cross training with possibly some spin classes and I may look at some other activities that will benefit me. Though, this time is about resting my body, physically and mentally.
Have a great Friday!
God Bless!
Mike
Coach Mike’s running tip:
To run faster, slow it down. 70 percent of your runs should be at conversational pace. Get faster by utilizing the other 30 percent for speed.
