While I'm tapering for the NJ marathon, I thought I'd get even more disciplined about my conditioning. Since I'm reducing miles, I wanted to do the 1000 crunches (various positions) per day again. Luckily I have friends at work who were willing to join me in the endeavor. In addition, I've decided to cut out desserts until the carbo-loading.
The 1000 crunches per day isn't hard. I'm willing to endure the pain. I've even added push-ups, stretches, etc, to add variety. What I'm having a hard time with is cutting out the desserts. Those that know me know I have an incurable sweet tooth, having dessert after nearly every meal. Thankfully this goes for only another 8 days.
We'll see how these tapering activities help me out for the race. Obviously I'm hoping it'll carry me to a Boston qualifying time. When that happens, I guess I can stop documenting about my Boston marathon efforts.
Showing posts with label core strengthening for runners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label core strengthening for runners. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Effects of Core Training and Stretching
Like yesterday, today is another lazy day. That is, I didn't run. Granted I did run 20 on Saturday and raced miles 10-15, but I still felt good enough to run. I just didn't have the will power. To alleviate my guilt, I've done core strengthening exercises and stretches both days. So it got me thinking, how will a stronger core and better flexibility affect my running performance?
I've read a few articles about the importance of core training. A couple of years ago, I decided to do 500 crunches every day for a week to see how it would affect my running. I remember it made me feel rock steady. It was like my core was a battery back powering my limbs making every stride feel easy. I haven't kept up the core training, but this season, I'd like to put more of a commitment to it. I'm running lower mileage than when I had trained for the NYC marathon last year, so I'm hoping that it will make a difference. If there are studies out there that reflect a quantifiable improvement, I haven't found them.
The same goes for stretching. I think the benefits of stretching, if any, are harder to quantify. But I'm committing to a stretching regimen this season as well. Since I've been doing this for a couple of months now, I've seen a noticeable improvement in my flexibility. I'm nearly as flexible as I was in high school now.
The real test for this core strengthening and stretching regimen begins tomorrow. I'm starting the speed sessions again with NYRR. I'm very anxious about it. I'm guessing I won't be able to keep up with people I used to run with last year, but hopefully I'll catch up in a couple of sessions.
Will start reporting on speed sessions after tomorrow's workout.
I've read a few articles about the importance of core training. A couple of years ago, I decided to do 500 crunches every day for a week to see how it would affect my running. I remember it made me feel rock steady. It was like my core was a battery back powering my limbs making every stride feel easy. I haven't kept up the core training, but this season, I'd like to put more of a commitment to it. I'm running lower mileage than when I had trained for the NYC marathon last year, so I'm hoping that it will make a difference. If there are studies out there that reflect a quantifiable improvement, I haven't found them.
The same goes for stretching. I think the benefits of stretching, if any, are harder to quantify. But I'm committing to a stretching regimen this season as well. Since I've been doing this for a couple of months now, I've seen a noticeable improvement in my flexibility. I'm nearly as flexible as I was in high school now.
The real test for this core strengthening and stretching regimen begins tomorrow. I'm starting the speed sessions again with NYRR. I'm very anxious about it. I'm guessing I won't be able to keep up with people I used to run with last year, but hopefully I'll catch up in a couple of sessions.
Will start reporting on speed sessions after tomorrow's workout.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
NYC Marathon Registration
No run today because of my taper. Will probably end up doing some core strengthening exercises instead. A couple of years ago, I did 1000 crunches a day for a week with a friend. I remember my runs at the end of the week and going into the next week felt easier because of a solid core. The best explanation I can come up with is that my torso felt like a strong and sturdy battery pack powering my legs and arms.
The NYC marathon registration card came in the mail today! I've scanned it for those who are looking forward to receiving the same next year. I'll be #12409!
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