What I realized during, after and especially today, was that my overall endurance and strength have improved dramatically over the past few years. I stopped running marathons and long distance because the longer training really broke me down and I was trashed for a few days after each long run. Today, I woke up a little tired and just a little sore in one ankle, but I hopped in the pool, swam for a bit (the first 500yds were slow) and then came into the gym and did my core work and some light movement strength session. Now, 24hrs after the run I feel fantastic and ready to hit it hard tomorrow for the bike workout.
What this proves to me, and it certainly follows the research out there on strength training, is that strength training improves recovery time and endurance. There's no way that I was ready to run 16 miles, since my longest run to date is a little less than 13 and not only was I able to do it, but at a respectable pace as well. And my legs and body aren't trashed. It's due to the hard efforts of the squats, deadlifts, single leg squats, slide lunges and upper body work (chin ups, rows, pushups). I am pretty excited about this and now that I know the distance won't ruin my body, I am amped for more strength workouts and more distance workouts!
What about you? Where are you in your training?
Stay strong.
Ali
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