Runners: What do you do on off days?

[SusieO]

Just wondering what everyone does on the days you don't run. I run three times a week. Other days I like to do yoga, get on the Stairmaster, or struggle through weight training (not my favorite). On lazy days I walk the dog and call that exercise. He doesn't mind!

[Natasha]

Hi Susie,
Good question!
My routine is pretty much like yours. I typically run four times a week. I cross-train two other days: I go to the gym and use the elliptical trainer, stair master, stair climber, and - if I m really being good - free weights and weight machines.

I do abs every day of the week (again, when I m being good), and other strength exercises without weights whenever I get the chance (probably not enough though). I take off one day a week, meaning that I might walk 1-2 hours but nothing more.

Let us know how that race goes!

[emilycat]

Susie,

I usually run 6 days out of the week; on off days I cycle 10-15 miles on my road bike, or like today, since it was 30 degrees and sleeting, (ick) I went to the gym instead and worked out on the elliptical trainer.
I lift weights about twice a week for 45-minutes to an hour; I used to be good like Natasha http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif and do crunches every day, but now it's more like 3 times a week!
Susie, do you do yoga at your gym, or at a studio? I've taken a couple classes, and I'd like to again, but I just haven't yet. What kind of yoga is it, also...aren't there several kinds, ashtanga, hatha?
Happy running!
Em

[Gina O]

I am still working on deciding what to do on off days. I am running 4 days a week, and on off days, often feel like I want to be doing something. The closest gym is 30 minutes away. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif I am probably buying my other half a bike trainer for xmas (shhhhh.... don't tell him) so that will be an option then. I am looking forward to hearing what others are doing. Btw, has anyone tried the Tae Bo video? It is here, but I have never looked at it.

[SusieO]

Emily, you are Wonder Woman. I think it's probably hatha yoga I do. I have a couple of tapes that I follow, and I often check new ones out of the library to try them out risk-free. Seems like the best ones are from Living Arts. Jane Fonda's yoga workout was also surprisingly pleasant.

Gina- I have a couple of Tae Bo tapes and I like them every now and then for something different, although I don't get the strenuous workout from them that I hear other people talk about. For me, Tae Bo is a nice moderate workout. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Try it and let me know what you think.

[emilycat]

SusieO, Gosh, thanks for the compliment...I have to say that I don't always feel like Wonder Woman (although when I was little, I had Wonder Woman underoos and wore them religiously http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif ). Sometimes it takes more than a little self-coaxing to get meyself out the door, but once I'm out there, I always love it.

I, too, have always heard that Tae Bo is a really intense workout. It may not be for you because a), you're a runner, and the percieved effort may be less since you're already used to one of the most vigorous cardiovascular exercises (rowing is #1) and b)if you have a tape, and aren't in a class, you don't have the face-to-face contact with an instructor and the exhilaration of being in a class. Just some thoughts. It also may be somewhat like spinning...you can make it just a good bike ride if you want, or you can kick your butt (which will be enormously sore the next day) with a really intense ride.

By the way, which Tae Bo tape do you have?

Emily

[SusieO]

I have the introductory beginner set. I am now smacking my forehead as I realize that's probably why it's not so difficult.

[Natasha]

Hi Susie,
Just wanted to congratulate you on your recent race! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusieO]

Thanks, Natasha!!

How did everyone else do?