When I Hated Strength Training

The post below was originally written in August of 2010. I keep it up to remind me where I was at mentally and physically in the first 1.5 years of my running and fitness journey. For the record, I still do not love “core work” because it’s still difficult but I’ve learned to embrace.

As we move through the strength portion of our training season, I remember what it feels like to be sore from lifting weights and doing squats and lunges and those hateful crunches. I hate ab workouts so much. Nothing makes me want to puke more than sit ups. And I don’t like walking away from a workout session feeling nauseous. Sweaty? I don’t mind. A little bit light in the head? Not a problem. Finding it difficult to grip a water bottle? Sure, okay. Nauseous? Not acceptable. Not ever. No thank you.

Fortunately our coaches only have us do those little crunches and leg lifts that work the area, which I can tolerate a little here and there.

I find that punching exercises are the most fun. Take a wide stance with a little bit of a squat, holding in your core (tummy) twisting your trunk as you punch across your body from side to side. This reminds me of karate in high school. I must suppress a kiai with each fist jab. I don’t want my team to think I’m crazy.

I have done a miserable job of trying to practice these strength training moves at home. Tuesday nights, once a week, that’s all I do. I find my work and volunteer schedule allow little time for me to sit and play on the computer to amuse myself, let alone get to the business of planks and bridges.

This Saturday – 6 or 7 miles at Dockweiler Beach for the All Team Event! This should be awesome.