Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Champion®.
If you are familiar with this blog, you know that I run around a lot. It’s pretty much 95% percent of what I do in terms of training. For the past few years it has taken me to many different cities and across many different distances. If you are “extremely” familiar with this blog then you also know that I have recently hit a plateau in my running and have failed at trying to get faster in the marathon. I’ve made a go at trying to hit sub 3:30 a few times, and realistically, only had a chance at a couple of them. The others were long shots that I was trying to convince myself that I could will myself to accomplish.
Putting in the work
Recently, I have started working on what I call “building a stronger runner.” I’ve started doing things other than running in an attempt to make sure that my body is working more efficiently from head to toe. I also hired a strength coach (who is also a runner) to help me with my gait, strength, and mobility. On top of that, I’m working with a running coach to help me train for my next marathon and approach my training calendar from a smarter perspective (more on working with both coaches in a future post).
Yep, I’ve turned to the pros. A decision that I didn’t come to lightly, but knew it was time.
#RealChampions by Champion®
Most of my closet is made up of running clothes branded with races, sponsors, and distances — perfect for the road or trail, but I was looking for something different for working out in the gym. Fortunately, I was recently asked to try some new items from the Spring 2015 line from Champion.
Working out in the gym is a different for me. I’m so used to covering distances outside that working out for 45 minutes in a gym means that I could have ran 8-9 miles. It’s been a matter of trying to re-wire my thinking that 45 minutes in the gym will help me run that 8-9 miles next time, as a much stronger and more efficient runner.
Wearing the Champion Vapor® Heather Men’s T Shirt and the Champion® PowerTrain Men’s Print Knit Shorts
CLICK HERE TO READ the full review of the gear sent to me from Champion.
#AllGainNoPain™
Champion® is using the #AllGainNoPain™ hashtag to help push and inspire athletes to do more. Check out the 2015 line here or click the hashtag on social media to see how the community is engaging and interacting with the idea.
Strong muscles = more power. Have fun in the gym! :)
GET AFTER IT!!!!
Love it!! I have some races planned for May-June but then I am thinking about spending more time in the gym focusing on rebuilding strength as well as endurance!
Love it! I have found that the STRONGER I am physically… the STRONGER I am as a runner! :) I look forward to following along with your STRONG running progress! :) You ARE a real champion! :)
Happy to see my buddy crosstraining – get it homie!
That’s great that you are strengthening yourself so that you can become an even stronger runner!
I have the same exact mindset about the gym and I need to change it! I have started on a strength training program since the Paris marathon ended in hopes to run my next one much faster. Here’s hoping it works for both of us!
You are SO right–strength training WILL improve your running without a doubt!