All endurance runners

rundinarun

Active Member
Has anyone tried using a weighted vest to condition their bodies for endurance running? I was told that it strengthens the legs but I am wondering if this can affect your back.
 
I'm here...:)...if you meant adding a weighted vest when you run, I would say NO. Too much added stress on the joints....any kind of leg workout by Cathe will help strengthen and condition your legs for running IMO...:)
 
Hello Carole,
How are you? I knew you would have an answer. I had a feeling that the vest idea wasn't very good. I had a coach tell me to run with a backpack full of books. I want to strengthen my uphill running. I do Cathe gym style legs. Everyone keeps mentioning Leaner legs but I can't find it on her website. Is it called something else? Good to hear from you carole.

Dina

By the way I am pacing someone at the AC this year. I am really looking forward to that
 
I think Leaner Legs is on the Crosstrain Express DVD. It was available on its own as a VHS at one point, but I don't know if it still is.
 
I would agree w/ Carole & say no to the vest.

As for leg workouts, I've found that working my legs while running long miles actually helps them recover faster. (I'm training for a marathon in 3 weeks!) I had quit lifting heavier (and mainly just did floorwork) for a couple weeks & could feel the difference so I added back in the weights! I alternate between GS legs, PLB, and MM. I don't have Leaner Legs so I don't have any input on that one.

Good luck & happy running! Join in on our cheetah check-in, there's lots of us training for races & we have a good time posting!

Hugs,
 
Running with a backpack full of books? That's plain crazy! (Your coach sounds like an old-school type of person!) Running up & downhill will work your legs plenty hard. It already puts tremendous strain on the muscles, joints, and tendons as it is. So, I have to wholeheartedly agree with Carole - run without the extra weights and work your legs separately. GS Legs or Legs & Glutes are also great choices.
 
Hi Dina...I've been good. You know I did a bit of research on this last night. There are some people that do it, not neccesarily for uphill training but to strengthen their legs. I still think your joints especially the knees would be in jeopardy! I think Pyramid Lower body would be great for your legs. Also the Power Hours DVD has 2 good endurance full body workouts on it. Steph is right as Leaner Legs is only on the Crosstrain Express DVD. But Cathy and Jess gave you some other good choices too! Another way to strengthen your uphill running is to do hill repeats.

My sister and I were going to pace a runner at Western States last June, but she dropped about 25 miles into the run. The heat was unbearable that day and I was amazed at the finishers! When is AC? Good Luck Dina...:)
 
Hello All,
Thank you for all the great advice. Hills are my favorite so I guess I just have to do more of them but without the baby stroller. I will defintately check in with the Cheetas. Its hard finding others who enjoy the nutty sport of endurance running. I have bought some of the runnervals workouts and they make the treadmill more bearable and productive.

Carole,
The AC starts on the 16th of this month. Tonight is a training run for some of the newbies. I did that the first time I paced and I was scared. I actually was hyperventillating. Running in pitch black in the woods is not an everyday occurrance. All we had were flash lights. But on race day it wasn't so bad. I had so much adrenelin pumping I didn't even notice the darkness. I hope you get the chance to pace someone again. It really is an amazing experience.

Happy running everyone!!!!!
 

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