Last week I mentioned briefly my plans to take a break from running and focus more on strength training. I wasn’t planning on going more in depth with that decision, but a few people asked why I made that decision, so I thought I would generate some answers.
For the last five years, my exercise of choice has always been running. There was a time briefly last year when I was learning about and recovering from my hypothyroidism diagnosis that I cut back on the running for a while to allow my energy levels to return to a normal level. However, other than that, I have been a runner through and through since my sophomore year of college (has that really been five years? yikes.).
Lately, running has become a chore — something I feel like I “have” to do rather than something I am passionate about doing. I have felt burnt out on running for a while, but with my half marathon on the schedule, there was no way I was willing to slack on the mileage or not give it my all. I still have running goals that I want to complete, but I feel like now isn’t the time to do them. Chicago Marathon? Definitely on my bucket list. Beating my last half marathon time? I can’t wait until that happens. In my heart, I know I have to do what’s best for my body — and right now, running isn’t that.
Not only have I felt burnt out on running, but I also have been suffering from some lady problems for the past two years that I desperately want to correct. I have no idea if my hormonal problems are due to my running, but I figured it’s worth a shot to see if lowering my workout intensity will fix the problems I am having. All of the doctors I have seen have said my running shouldn’t have an impact on my hormones because I am not running more than 20-25 miles a week and I am eating enough to cover those miles, but I still have my doubts. Hopefully taking some time off from running will help fix those problems.
Another reason why I am upping the strength training right now is because whenever I focus on training for a race, my mileage is great, but my body gets, well… pretty jiggly. If you’re a runner, you know just how easy it is to pack on a few pounds when you’re bulking up for a race. Your hunger levels are through the roof and you don’t necessarily make the healthiest of choices, especially if your race is around a holiday season (yikes!). I love having lean muscles on my body, and although I don’t weigh myself, I know my body isn’t at its best. Hopefully by focusing more on strength training, I will tone up those problem areas I have been more than aware of lately. My goal has absolutely nothing to do with my weight, but how I feel — and I can feel that my jeans are a tad bit tight at the moment.
In case you are wondering what type of program I am working on, I will be doing Jamie Eason’s Live Fit Trainer (like the rest of the world!). I have been wanting to complete her program for some time now, but with my half marathon looming, I wasn’t able to act on it. I started yesterday by taking some measurements and completing day one of the program.
You need to also realize that I’m human, and this is hard for me. Running has been my go to exercise regardless of how I have felt about it for so long that I kind of feel like I’ve lost a part of myself for the time being. As silly as it sounds, it’s true. It’s easy to begin to identify yourself with phrases like “I’m a runner” — what am I now? Hm… guess I’ll have to find out!
One thing that is so important to remember when you’re living a healthy lifestyle is that sometimes you need to tweak what you are doing based on the needs and goals you have at the exact moment. Right now, running doesn’t fit my needs or my goals, but I am sure it will in the future. I could never live without running for good, that’s for sure! In addition to that, I have been reminded (by myself!) lately that you have to listen to your body and do what you know is best at the time.
So, that’s about it — the reason why I’m focusing more on strength and less on cardio these days. If you have any other questions, I’m only an email away!
{ 110 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post, Chelsey! Due to a leg injury, I have had to take a break from running. Initially it really upset me because I love to run but now I’m much more positive about it. I’m using the injury as motivation to branch out of my comfort zone and focus on strength training ( fortunately I can complete lower body workouts without any issue) and to be honest, I’m looking forward to the change of pace! I know that my body looks its best when I up my strength training so this can only be a good thing! Good luck with the Jamie Eason plan
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Thanks Khushboo! I’m being hopeful and actually enjoying the change of pace for now! Hopefully I’ll keep the same attitude!
woot woot! {excitement noises never type as well as they sound} strength training is crazy good.
I’ve already had 2 cups of coffee…can you tell?
Seems like a very good idea! I had to take a short break from running for awhile too because like you said, I wasn’t loving it but the break really did work wonders! And weight lifting is awesome! I might even like it MORE than running most days
Best of luck in your iron pumping!
Thanks Kinley!
PS - I love your name. Is it short for anything or is it just Kinley?
Thank you! And nope, it’s just Kinley
Awesome, Chelsey! I went through the exact same thing. I am on Phase Two of the LiveFit now and I have been loving it! Cardio is only 30 minutes! I feel like I have so much time for other things now and I am making much better food choices. I think with running comes the “I can eat what I want” mentality but it’s so not true. With the LiveFit you are given such a detailed diet plan and though I haven’t followed it 100%, I have used it as a guideline and eat so much better now.
Have fun with it and get ready for your muscles to GROW!!!
I actually am not following the diet plan at all. While this might be counterproductive with my results, I really do not want a diet plan to dictate what I can and can’t eat!
I was so surprised when I gained a couple lbs and got highly during my half training hut come to find out it’s so common. I am also on more of a lifting kick lately but for me it’s because of time restraints. You cancer a great strength train in 30 min whereas a longer run takes over an hour.
Good luck gettin your body back on track!
Good for you, Chelsey! I COMPLETELY understand! In October, I ran 2 half-marathons and afterwards I felt the same exact way as you: burnt out and running became a chore… something I never wanted it to become! 2 months later, my neighbor asked me to run a 12k with him… I did and we maintained a 9:30 pace for the whole thing… not bad for not running in 2 months! Now, my friend just asked me to do the april half marathon… I was taking a break from running, but the invite was too tempting! So no matter how long or how short your break it is, it is definitely good for your body and your mind!
Good luck with your races! It’s definitely been tought teling some of my running partners “no” and especially even more difficult putting a kabosh on some of the races I had planned on doing with people this year!
I am always trying to be a runner. When I am honest with myself, I’m not cut out to be a runner- mentally or physically so I have embraced that although I am not a runner I can run and just be physically active- because that is what I love. I’m going to say a prayer that your lady issues work themselves out and leave you confident and feeling great on the inside and out. You’re right, it’s worth a shot and only good things will come from building some muscles! Mainly- impressing the husband with the gun show
Thanks Julie - I knew you would understand where I am coming from!
Hmmm, now you can say, “I’m a weightlifter.”
I’m in the final phase of The New Rules of Lifting for Women (http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women). It’s changed the way I view strength training and it’s purpose. Weight lifting has definitely helped to shape my body. I think you’ll see awesome results with your new lifting program. I’m anxious to follow you through it.
ha! Thanks Tasha - I have heard really great things about NROLFW as well!
It’s great that you’re listening to your intuition with this one. The great thing about running is that you can just pick it up again if your passion returns! In fact, that’s the greatest thing about life, I suppose. I totally know what you mean about jiggly running. I was a major victim of that last season. I was eating SO much (because of course you have to when you’re running that much) and was at one of my highest weights yet. Now that I’ve been focusing on strength, I’ve managed to decrease my fat % by over 4%!
Have you heard of bodyrock.tv? It’s super effective in gaining strength quickly!
I have heard of bodyrock! I love their workouts!
great post! And so true
I am starting to pump more iron lately too!
Just wanted to give you some encouragement- the LiveFit trainer is AWESOME! I just started week 8, and it is VERY do-able! I NEVER lifted before. The most I got into strength training was doing BodyRock last Winter when I decided enough was enough (I hadn’t been doing ANYTHING exercise-wise for the past few months). So anyways- the program has been fantastic so far! I don’t follow the diet, although I have been more conscious about getting in more protein! So so so excited for you! I’m hoping that whenever the running bug bites again (probably in the spring), we’ll have lots of great muscle to power our runs!!! So excited for you!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Holly! I am not planning on following the diet plan either, so we’ll see how it goes!
Great post, I can totally relate since I also recently broke up with running for many of the same reasons. I ran my first full last May and started to think of running as a chore - not cool at all, then I ran 2 more half’s this summer which to be honest weren’t bad at all but my body still wasn’t happy. So after my last half in September I made the decision, so far my body has not responded the way we hoped and its hard to think running was the issue because of this but I also know though it may not 100% of the issue it was probably 80%! I have also loved focusing more on weight lifting and yoga which has kept me distracted
Congrats on listening to your body Lindsey!
For some reason, I dislike doing strength training/weights. I seem to put off doing it, and will go for the cardio more often then not when I’m cramped on time (or motivation). I even have workouts from a personal trainer, but for me it’s just a matter of taking the time to do them!
That’s uaully what I do as well because I would feel like I “had” to fit in my cardio!
Love this post! I feel exactly the same way about 1-2x’s per year. Sometimes your body just needs a running break. Plus, strength training kicks your tushy (and face it who doesn’t look good w/muscles;-) )
As for the ‘female problems, been there, still there. Its frusterating when you are doing something healthy (running) and your body still doesn’t cooperate.
Thanks for the encouragement Becky - I’m glad I’m not the only one who has struggled with this problem!
I love that you touched on the idea that you weren’t as passionate about running as you once were. I think that many women get caught up in what exercise we “think” we should be doing. And if you read any amount of blogs, you get the idea that everyone should be a runner. But I believe it is important to find exercises that you love and make your body feel it’s best. I can’t wait to read you recaps on Jamie Easton!
Definitely a good choice for you right now, and I can’t wait to hear about how you like Jamie’s program! I decided to take your advice (as well as that acting voice in my head) and hold off on her weight training until after my half
I totally didn’t mean to discourage you if that’s how you felt - sorry if I did! I just wanted you to know that I tried and failed! ha!
Definitely a good choice for you right now, and I can’t wait to hear about how you like Jamie’s program! I decided to take your advice (as well as that nagging voice in my head) and hold off on her weight training until after my half
Pump it up girl!
I adore weight training! I rarely do cardio on machines anymore, and with insanity Im doing cardio but cardio bursts, which is great!
Happy Tuesday!
Insanity looks well… INSANE!
Glad you’re enjoying it!
Good for you for listening to your body. I totally get what you said about it sort of changing your identity. I went/am going through the same thing. Hang in there and do what’s best for you.
Great post Chelsey! I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to read about the LiveFit training that you do. I definitely go through periods where certain types of exercise just aren’t right at that time and I need to switch it up!
It’s hard to break from being a cardio junkie, but I definitely feel more balanced and healthy when I get in consistent strength training.
yayyy another live fit friend!! I was burnt out on running too - this plan has been perfect!
I’m definitely a cardio queen, but I go through phases too. During the summer I really enjoy being IN the gym because I hate the heat, so running takes a back seat. Now it’s the focus while I train for my marathon, but after that I would love to dedicate some serious time to strength training. Are you going to be following the diet plan too? It’s nice to have all you bloggers test drive the program for me
chelsey- last april i ran my first (and probably only) half marathon. it was on my bucket list of things i wanted to do too, and towards the ned i dreaded those long runs and felt like it was a chore too. once i hit past 8 miles throughout the training, my body was aching from the stress it was going through in running all those miles. granted i had such a good experience and ended up with a good time, but as soon as i crossed the finish line the first thing i said to my BF was ” i can’t wait to just lift now!”. all my workouts are back to weight training hard, with some short runs thrown in there…mostly 20min HIIT. i totally transformed my body and i’m maintaining it without stressing myself over running and being constantly hungry/over eating. my mentality is so much better and i feel normal again. its weird to try to explain, but running long miles definitely isn’t for everyone! being toned and strong feels so much better for me
Thanks for your experience and encouragement Felicia!
I love strength training. It’s such a departure from running and the time goes by so quickly!
I agree - time does fly because you’re jumping from one exercise to the next!
I love that quote you have. I am also trying to get more into strength training. I see so much more of a difference in my body when I focus on it.
OMG I love, love, love your blog, your story, your motivation for healthy living!!!
I love strength training…it always makes me feel stronger (even right away!) and I love the toned muscles
I do feel pretty bad ass when I leave the gym, I’m not going to lie!
Hi Chelsea!
Stumbled across your blog today. I am a former figure skater (for 18 years) and switched to running in medical school. For a good part of my adolescent/adult life, I have dealt with hormonal issues, once having gone over a year without a period, and I only average 10-40 miles a week depending on what I’m training for and where I am in my training. I researched into it for my own curiosity, presented findings at a sports medicine conference, and have summarized some of my knowledge about it in a blog post I wrote last year:
http://livenlovecestlavie.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/the-female-athlete-triad-f-a-t-misconceptions-its-potentially-irreversible-damage-to-ones-bone-strength-and-my-experience/
I think it’s great that you’re focusing on the strength training. It’s so good for your bones, and if you’re getting burnt out on the running, no reason to force it. Back off and get refreshed with the strength training : )
Please read the post if you have time….I think it’s important information for any female athlete, and it’s a topic that most doctors aren’t very familiar with. Don’t let it completely scare you, though. Email if questions: [email protected]
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I enjoy hearing about others’ experiences and what did/didn’t work for them. I am going to read the article now - I know not having a period is so bad for your bone health which is one of the reasons why I am so adamant about getting it back!
I kind of feel in the same boat as you. After my last half in early December the longest run I’ve done has been 3.5 miles. I’m just not feeling it as much (part of that is winter time, part of it is needing a break) so indoor biking, circuit workouts and strength have taken over instead and I have to say, I love the change! Good luck with yours!
Thanks Gina!
I seriously feel the SAME way. I have a half marathon at the end of February, but I just have not had the same motivation for running as I did in the beginning. I still love to run, but I think the fact that I HAVE to get in my mileage makes it seem like a chore to me too. I’m going to do the live fit trainer once I’m done with my half. Good luck!
good plan, Chels!
I find that when I get burned out from running and switch to cross-training and pumping iron, I actually get back the desire to run pretty quickly.
jack up those muscles.
Oh, there will be definite jacking going on. That sounded weird. You know what I meant.
Lady problems, huh?? Oh how I’m so familiar with hormonal imbalances. Take the time to get them right….you can’t imagine what a difference you body feels when your hormones are levels. Once I finally got mine leveled out, I noticed 1) I wasn’t grumpy as much 2) I was ONLY irritable when I was tired (instead of all the time lol) 2) I was more happy, could have a positive attitude more easily 3) Had way more energy 4) Stopped having cravings for food/feelings of hunger non-stop all day 5) less anxiety
yada yada yada. I’m sure everyone is different but these are a few things that it did for me. I feel much more like “myself” than I have in a LONG time.
If your “lady problems” are referring to a lack of period, that’s the issue that I had too. I wondered if my working out was what had effected it but after a period of time where I really decreased my work outs, it never came back. BUT, I will suffice that with saying that everyone has a different threshold, and everyone’s body is different. So who knows. If that’s NOT what you’re talking about….well then…..I’m completely off. lol
I hope you get it all figured out soon, Chelsey! Hormonal issues are the worst to deal with , because they effect your whole being…..they effect your body AND your emotions. It sucks…..but keep your head up and work through it!
You hit the nail dead on the head with what I am going through - I’m hoping my outcome is a bit different!
Yes, me too, because the alternative is searching for another answer. lol If this doesn’t do the trick for you, maybe talk to your endocrinologist (if that’s who you see for your thyroid), because thyroid can effect your hormones, I think. I’ve simultaneously had my hormone issues and slight thyroid problems for a few years, and I think they are somewhat linked.
You are going to do GREAT and I cant wait to see what this switch does for you. I bet it will be good things.
I’m hoping so!
I also took a cardio break to try Jamie Eason’s 12 week trainer. I am in the middle of Phase 1 and loving it! I do have itchy legs (my legs have the urge to run) but I love seeing and feeling stronger already. Good Luck! Keep us updated on your progress!
Thanks Laura! It’s great to get some positive feedback about the program!
I have been feeling the same way lately - well actually for the past few months. I was a little burnt out on running AND I’ve been feeling jiggly. So I’m on a quest to get more strength training in as well. I originally planned on doing the LiveFit trainer, but I really suck at sticking to such a rigid schedule. So I’m just doing random workouts. Can’t wait to see how you like it!
Good luck to you!
Yay that’s great! I did the trainer a few months ago and loved it! I’m sticking with heavy lifting right now with absolutely no cardio and then planning on picking the trainer back up in phase 2 in a couple months. I think you’ll love the results!
Thanks for the encouragement Brittany!
Glad you recognize that you want to make some changes to your fitness routine and regimen and are going to DO it. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to fitness and exercise and what worked one day, won’t always work the next and as life, our bodies, our time, desire, and everything changes over the months and years, being able to roll with the punches and change things up as necessary is so important.
Excited to read more about how things go for you.
Thanks Averie - you always speak words of wisdom!
I went through the same thing during training for the Chicago marathon. After running so much I just burnt out. I took some time off (about two months) and focused on cross-training and weights and then come December my body wanted to run again. It was great!
Good luck to you!
Great post! I have had several in depth conversations lately with bloggers and friends about the importance of listening to your body. I completely agree with that it can feel like you lost your identity when you take a break from something you love or are used to.
Good luck with the strength training!
Thanks Natalie!
We’ve all made that decision at one point or another. You can’t pound the pavement every day and not tire of it! Some of us go back to running and some don’t. Enjoy your time away and do what’s right for your body!
I started LiveFit last week on Monday! About to do my day 9 workout and I LOVE the program so far! I don’t follow the eating plan as close as the program recommends, but I am doing the workouts and eating 5-6 smaller meals per day. Hope you love it
I don’t plan on following the eating regime either - I feel like she doesn’t focus enough on carbohydrates and fat. I’m not about to cut those out of my diet!!
sounds like an awesome plan my friend! i’m sure you’ll love it as you get into it. strength training truly does wonderful things. i love all your reasons for your decision - you’ll do great!
I am really surprised how many people have hopped on the JELF wagon. It’s great, because the program works.
I’m pumped! Although, I’m not planning on following the eating plan. Have you been?
No, I didn’t follow her eating.. but I do eat BFL style which is almost identical to the LiveFit plan.. except allows more fruit/carbs and allows you to eat after a certain time. I think as long as you eat 80% clean, it doesn’t matter which eating plan you follow. I think picking an eating plan you WILL follow is most important! And I could never live without carbs after 7 PM.
That said, I am trying the carb cycling that she outlines in phase 3.. just for two weeks, though. Before my trip to Mexico.
Great post - thanks for sharing. I think the strength training will only help your running, too. Last year when I was training for the Des Moines Marathon, I did not do enough strength training and really injured myself - so much so that I could “only” run the half. Now that I’m training for an other half (in May) and a full (in October), I am incorporating LOTS of strength and hoping that it will help prevent the disasters of last year.
I LOVE weight training! I’m a huge fan of it, over cardio. I can’t do the steady-state cardio, especially after being introduced to workouts like P90X, Insanity and Turbo Kick. I teach TK and just LOVE the energy from people enjoying their cardio, but nothing beats clammering the iron! Great article.
What a smart choice! I get excited when I start something new in my workouts.
Does Jamie offer any modifications if you don’t have the gym equipment?? I went to the website and I love the fact that she includes a meal plan!
Have a great day Chelsey!
Great post Chelsey!! I don’t comment much but love reading your blog and wanted to comment here. In regards to your lady troubles have you gotten blood work done to check your hormone levels? I went off the pill in March ’11, didn’t get a period for 6 months (still working on getting it as we speak!), and my blood work proved I have Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. I was (am!) a very athletic exerciser, never really a runner, but an avid spinner and taught Spin Classes and Group Power. Coupled with years (4 years ago) of under-eating and getting to a low weight it messed with my hormones and caused me to have HA. Since hubby and I are trying to get pregnant, I’m working on lowering the exercise, gaining to a healthy bmi, eating more, and balancing out my energy levels to get my period again in the hopes of getting pregnant soon. A lot of ladies who have HA are/were serious runners and it may be something you may want to look in to. A lot of women with HA have to get to a higher weight and really reduce or cut out the exercise completely in order to start menstruating/ovulating again.
Sarah from The Shu Box (http://www.theshubox.com/2011/12/hypothalamic-amenorrhea.html) has awesome posts on this and this forum (http://www.fertilethoughts.com/forums/lifes-journey/343535-hypothalamic-amenorrhea.html) is great support for those of us who are experiencing these troubles. I hope I didn’t scare you but just wanted to let you know you’re not alone in this and perhaps look into (if you haven’t already) getting your hormones levels checked. Hope this helps and I really commend you for getting to the bottom of your menstrual troubles by cutting out the running and really being proactive in this. P.S. I also talk about my journey in trying to conceive on my “Getting Ready” page
P.S.S. ALL of the doctors tell ladies with HA or hormonal troubles that running has nothing to do with your menstrual troubles but they are wrong!! Every woman I know who has significantly reduced the exercise intensity of their workouts or cut it out completely have gotten their cycles back. You are right in that cutting out/reducing your running will really help and good luck to you in this!!
Thank you for your comment Shayla! I’m heard such mixed reviews - “you’ll get your period back” “no you won’t get it back”. I think everyone is different and I’ll never know unless I try, right?
Thanks for all those links too - I really appreciated it!
You’re welcome!! And yes, every person is different and I’m really happy you’re making a change and being proactive about it. Good luck to you on this and keep us posted
Have either of you taken the progesterone challenge?
I think you’re doing the right thing for sure! Listening to our bodies is really the only tool we have.
When I was training for a duathlon and running and biking every day there’s no way I was running as much as your doctors say, and still I got too much testosterone and broke out in some really persistent acne. As soon as I stopped training so intensely it went away. Doctors think they know too much, in my opinion
.
I have been reading The Hormone Diet by Natasha Turner, a Toronto-based naturopath, and it’s a fantastic and fascinating book. I’m on a cleanse and while I’m not following the hormone diet, my naturopath recommended I read the book anyway to understand how all our hormones - particularly our stress hormones (like cortisol) and our sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone etc) impact our body and weight and health overall. It’s really interesting…I recommend it!
That sounds like a great book! Thanks for the reccomendation!
I hear you on the hypothyroidism and “lady problems.” I’ve had my own for a few years now and the doctors still can’t figure out what’s up. Hope switching to strength training helps your body and your mind!
I think it’s good to mix it up! I’m not usually much of a runner…but I am considering registering for a half marathon in May. I’m a little nervous though, because I’m getting married in July and I don’t want to get too bulky, or jiggly, as you said!
I have been strength training 4 days a week and running 3-4 days a week since my stress fracture and I can’t wait to see how it helps my body and my running. i think thats why i got hurt to begin with…I was ONLY running!
I think its a great idea chelsey! I haven’t been running as often lately for the same reasons…just feeling like chore. So building up my strength is looking like a great option!
I’m so behind you!! I know that feeling all too well…and I’ve cut back on running a lot in the last year, too. Amazingly enough, I love my body even more without all that running - it’s fun to see what different exercises can do to change your body.
High-Fives to listening to your body! Sometimes this is so hard for us as women to do. But in the end it will only make your stronger, healthier, and happier. And honestly, you will probably come out a stronger run in the end. I have a love/hate relationship with weights. I do it because I know it’s great, but my heart is with yoga and running. Good luck with the program!
I have no idea about your personal lady issues, but, as a lady with a whole lot of lady issues(mostly resolved), I have read a lot about them, and switching to strength training sounds like a fantastic idea to me. If I recall, there was a theory that putting out huge amounts of energy and how it can affect hormone imbalances. Its so important to listen to our bodies, isn’t it?
I recently got back at the weights (I just love weight lifting!)
Anyhow, I wish you luck!
YAY! I love the livefit program! I have been doing it since september and my bf and I have seen amazing results! LOVE IT! I also have a facebook group that I would love for you to join. Many of the vegetarians are not sure how to increase their protein intake and I know you could shine some light on that! Here is the link, we are closing it at the end of the month to keep it intimate and comfortable! Let me know if you have any questions! I also have the workouts in excel format if youre interested!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/244873625580305/
I should mention that I followed the diet the first time but now am doing some tweaks to see what works best for my body…all clean eating though! I have incorporated many of your recipes…the protein muffin is my fave!
Hmm…My husband and I just signed up for our first half marathon because I thought with training and eating a bit more healthy, I could finally lose these 1o pounds I have been holding on to for so long. Now I am nervous I will only gain! Any tips to help not make that happen??
I get burnt out on running too. It’s good to take breaks, though I suggest trying some spinning classes. I love a good spin class.
This was a great post! As a fellow runner, I know how hard it must be to take a break from it. But I’m sure a few weeks (months?) off from it will help re-spark your love for it! And in the meantime, I’m sure you’ll find a new love for strength training. I never thought I’d like it as much as I do. I thought I could only get an exercise high off of doing intense cardio, but I definitely get a similar high after doing weights! I can’t wait to hear how the program goes for you.
I’m excited to see how it goes for you! I’ve been considering trying the Live Fit Trainer program, but am a little scared to start. After training for a marathon last year, I put on a few pounds (even after going for 15+ mile runs every weekend!) because of things similar to what you mentioned: The long runs left me starving, and I probably ate more than I needed! I also felt a little “jiggly” so I started focusing more on strength training, and I’ve definitely noticed a huge difference. I kind of make it up as I go and would like some type of program. Keep us updated on how you like it!
I loved reading this! I am a huge fan of strength training and make it happen at least 3 times/week. I love those hard cardio sweat sessions but I think you’ll find that strength training will give you more energy, a MASS of hunger to deal with, and a toned body you’ll be thrilled with! Good luck with the new program!!!
hey…if you have time (and desire) could you shoot me an email? I’m needing some clarity with some stuff and wonder if you’d have thoughts. Thanks.
YAY! Good for you, girl. I’m glad that you’re listening to your body and focusing on the things that you enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to do something else. I’ve seriously fallen in love with strength training- it makes me feel awesome! I can’t wait to hear how you’re liking your new regime!
I love my weights. I couldn’t believe how much worse I felt about my body when I trained for a half marathon. I now am back to 4 days of weights and 1 day of cardio, plus one day of whatever I feel like (classes, outdoor training, bootcamp, yoga etc) every week. I feel fab!
Wait, is Livefit FREE?!?! If so, BEST NEWS EVER! I’m totally going to start today!
You go girl! Listen to that bod and honor it!
I’ve been loving the Tone it Up videos on YouTube. They’ve really added an amazing “pep” to my strength training routines.
Annnnnnnnnd I just spent an hour researching the LiveFit program after reading this post!
(I’ve actually never heard of it) I’ve been looking for a change to my current workout routine and I’m thinking this might be it? Getting back into running over the past few weeks has taken a serious toll on my legs/shins, and put me in the mindset of eating whatever I want as long as I go for a run. Not good. If you’re looking for a long-distance buddy to do the program with, let me know- I think I’m going to start today! 
I know what you mean. I’ve not felt like running since my half marathon (in June). I’m hoping to start again a little bit after my vacation!
Hi there, I log on to your new stuff on a regular basis. Your story-telling style is awesome, keep up
the good work!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto
a colleague who was conducting a little research on this.
And he actually bought me lunch due to the fact
that I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your blog.
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & help different users like its helped me.
Good job.
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