Anybody run?

I have such a hard time with Z2. The latest plan I’m doing is based around heart rate instead of pace. There’s some days I just cruise at a good rate and heart rate and then there’s days where my body has no idea what’s going on.

I did a test similar to what you’re talking about while I was in Denver. It was kind of eye opening I guess because I learned I don’t push myself that hard in a sense.

How’s everything else going with you? Have you been filling in the non running/hiking days with weights still?

 

I one hundred percent agree with that it’s an ego thing. I’m seeing my brother throw down 8:30-8:45 miles. I know I can keep up with him, but the training plan says to do differently.

This is probably a dumb question, but what elevation are you at? Columbus sits at roughly 775-900. Obviously there’s humidity and all that good stuff.

I have noticed that the dry heat makes me dehydrated quicker. I kind of like the higher elevation, it takes some time to get the breathing in rhythm. Going to run a few miles in SLC and then Nampa, Idaho. The it’s back to Denver for my long run Sunday.

Have you noticed running gains with the lifting weights and carrying it while hiking? Maybe some cardio gains too?

 

The way the body works, if you can’t balance/stabilize the load, you can’t lift it, regardless of weight. So to build real world useable strength instead of just being muscular but weak, hit the exercises that target the stabilizing muscles primarily.
1.
Dumbells/kettlebells>barbells>machines. It is easier to barbell bench 315lbs than it is to dumbbell press a pair of 100lb dumbbell. The machines do not require the user to stabilize the weight and so you can lift more weight. But will lifting more make you stronger? On that machine YES but real world everyday strong? Ummm, no…you are wasting your time.

Build up the core. Bench with your feet held off the floor. Do your shoulders presses standing. Be sure to allow the SHOULDERS the proper recovery time. If you are going to injure yourself in the gym, odds are greatly in favor of the shoulder injury.

2. Power cleans, dumbbells and barbells
https://youtube.com/shorts/8V8QBRCYOO4?si=MW7aWorkH2jRBmzp
want terrifying strength? Power cleans.

Want to build incredible strength PLUS stamina? Farmer’s carry. As soon as you start, you will feel it in the lungs.

3. Having great strength without being really big can be done too. Regular cardio will prevent you from becoming too bulky. My background was private security. The last thing you ever want to do is to be a big guy with zero stamina. If you ever run out of gas throwing hands, better be prepared to take a Hebrew slave arse whuppin.

4. The body responds to how you train it.
https://youtube.com/shorts/9SMr9vEzwXA?si=CVWbUMacEP-gQdmU
You can be both fast and powerful. It’s all in how you train.

 

When you use dumbbells instead of barbells and machines you find out just how strong you aren't lol.

I definitely notice I lose 2-3 reps lifting the same weight with dumbbells vs barbell. I usually mix it up, sometimes I use dumbbells to work on the stabilizing muscles but I also use barbells for putting more stress on the main muscles. I'm also sort of lazy at times and it's quicker and easier to just grab a pair of dumbbells and rep out a few sets of bench vs setting up and putting away a barbell on the rack.

 

Not much going on in my world of running. Just been putting base miles down for now and keeping my endurance up. My brother talked me into a 50K trail race at the end of June. I’ve never ran a full marathon, so why not run more than a full! I never claimed to be smart, but it’s a pretty cool concept.
Trail Golf Endurance Challenge — Trailblazer Running

I went to the bike shop yesterday to look around, really just went in for water bottle holders as it didn’t come with any. I walked out and signed up for a 70 mile ride the weekend before the 50K. The main loop was 60 miles, then there was a section for an additional ten miles. So in my head I’m thinking what’s another ten miles on top of sixty already. I never claimed to be intelligent.

Then this evening I signed up for another trail race at the beginning of August. Hopefully I didn’t overload my schedule, because I have two full road marathons to complete. One in October and one in December. Recovery is going to be key from here on out. Prioritize stretching and some strength to aid my goals.
Buckeye Moon Trail Runs (Night Trail Racing)- 26K, 20K, 13K, & 7K - Greenswell