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2009/09/09, 08:32 PM
Hello everyone!
Let me start off saying that from what I have seen so far this is a great site. I am excited to start(again)getting in shape. At one point I was in pretty good shape, then not, then again, and now not.
I am looking to at last find that magic sustainable set of routines that keep me fresh, excited and moving. Of course I also have some goals that may or may not jive with the status quo here, but I am hoping to learn as much as possible.
I am more interested in endurance sports like cycling and triathlon, and want to plan my strength training around those goals. In the past I have taken most of my advice from people in that field who more or less are afraid of the gym, lest they gain weight. My research has shown me that while more muscle means more weight, it also means faster times and more endurance. Of course having a decently defined body can't hurt either.
I have dabbled with weights in the past but I now realize that besides form I know very little. I am sure most of my questions at this point are best directed to the search feature.
I guess that is about it for now. I will be lurking for a bit and chiming in here and there.:cool:
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2009/09/09, 11:51 PM
Don't be afraid of strength training. My jogging and running routines benifited tremendously from doing regular leg training. The key to sustained weight loss and strength is proper sustained dieting and sustained activity. Your body loves to be in a routine, and whenever that routine is broken(for better or the worse) is when you see change.
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2009/09/10, 04:47 AM
Hi Drew,
What sort of levels of endurance sport have you been involved in so far?
I'm getting more and more into my endurance running having completed the London Marathon last year. I'm currently planning an endurance event for this time next year, three ultra-marathons in three days! So I guess I'll be training as hard as you!
Welcome to the site,
Al
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2009/09/10, 09:07 AM
What kind of cycling do you want to do?
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Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.
Ivan (GO HABS GO!)
Montreal Canada (City of Festivals)
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2009/09/10, 12:36 PM
Hi guys, thanks for the replies.
returnofplex-
I suppose I am not really afraid of strength training, I have done it off and on in the past. What I am finally acknowledging is that I know very little about the proper way to train. Previously I have only managed to attain featureless bulk and power. I enjoyed the latter, but the former has managed to sway me against it when I was training for endurance events. Listening to serious amatuer triathletes who were petrified of weight training kind of reinforced that. Now I am learning differently.I am hoping to learn how to use strength training to support my other goals and be more well rounded. I am also looking to connect with real people. I tend to fall for gimmicky stuff like the Fitness Made Simple, Jillian Michaels and Bowflex. I guess all that stuff has its place but it didn't really work for me.
alex_morley- There was a time about 2 years ago that ulras sounded good to me too. lol not so much today. I have run up to 15 miles, though my last race, and the one that kind of derailed me was the Army 10 Miler, a road race held annualy in Washinton DC. It was so hot 2 years ago they ran out of water and gatorade in the hydration stations before I got to most of them, and somebody died on the finish line right in front of me. It was the same year and time frame as the Chicago Marathon that somebody died as well. I have been trying to tread water since then, failing mostly. In a word my endurance asparations can be summed up by saying Ironman. That is where I am ultimately headed.
carivan- I enjoy moderate distance, I participate in a few charity events every year. October 3-4 I have the MS150 and then I am shut down for the season. For fitness and mental health I ride on the road between 10 and 50 miles. I like mountain biking but where I live is nothing but sand flats. When I get to anyplace worth riding I am so out of form I just hurt myself lol. So I am a roadie.
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2009/09/11, 03:47 AM
Wow, an Ironman will be a big step up from a 15-miler mate but great to set that as a goal, it's actually one of mine as well at some point but I'd need to improve my swimming style first!
The first year I did the Great North Run (half-marathon in Newcastle, North of England) it was swelteringly hot and three people died doing it. I didn't suffer too badly but it was my first half-marathon so i guess I was taking it slow. I don't know how I'd cope at my current pacing (1:41 for a half-marathon) in that kind of heat. I think my ultras will be considerably slower!
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2009/09/18, 05:53 PM
It is definately a long term goal. I do not have a time frame set for when I would like to enter one, so I suppose at the moment it really isn't serious, but it is something I have my eyes set on and everything I do is more or less with that goal in mind.
I too need to work on my swim but the leg that worries me the most is the marathon.
1:41 sounds like a great time from where I am sitting. I am planning on laying down a good base this winter along with a strength program and see what develops next race season.
Good luck with those ultras!
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