Cool crisp weather makes me want to lace up my shoes and run for hours. There are few things I enjoy more than running through Central or Prospect Park with leaves crunching beneath my feet and vibrant colors adorning the trees. Unfortunately, after Saturday’s half marathon and continued glute pain, I have decided that if I want to enjoy a lifetime of running, I need to listen to my body. Instead of training for short distance PRs during the upcoming Prospect Park Turkey Trot and NYRR Jingle Jog, I am going to run those for fun with friends.
But, instead of abandoning all goals and giving my body time, I am embarking on healthy, lower impact goal that will allow me to stay motivated and healthy. For the next ten weeks, leading up to the Christmas holidays, I am going to spend most of my time tucking, stretching and strengthening my body through Bar Method and other low impact workouts such as Pilates and yoga. Last year during my six-week Bar Method challenge I was leaner and stronger than ever before. In fact, since Bar Method is the perfect complement to running, many of Bar Method’s exercises strengthen the knees by strengthening the surrounding muscles in a low impact way. Las year due to my new found core and leg strength, I was able to run three half marathons and Reach the Beach within a five week period without injury.
Last night’s class, my first in a while, was humbling. I have lost the muscle memory and strength that I developed last year when I was frequenting Bar Method. Thanks to the teacher’s hands on adjustments, I was able to feel and move into the proper position but I look forward to the day when everything feels familiar again. So while my triceps are already shaking after two classes and my thighs scream when I walk up the stairs, I’m excited for the challenge. I am going to return to weekly workout updates in order to keep myself accountable as well as share my progress and thoughts with you guys. As a sweat and high intensity workout addict, I am sure this will be an adjustment.
Now, who wants to join me for a Bar Method class or other low-impact workout this Fall while my body heals and strengthens?
