I started another phase of the preperation for training today, that being the start of cross-training and doing upper-body weights. It rained today here in the Northeast (like a monsoon) so I took advantage of the fact and did a half-hour ellipitical workout, and then did light weight training per Hal Higdons training plan (see one of my previous posts). I have to cross-train once a week, so why not get the soreness out now …..

All I can say today is, OUCH! It hurt to run this morning, it hurts to cough and to move. It seems like such a nothing workout when I was done, I was laughing at how easy it was, but boy, in the long run, it kicked my ass. I can see the long-term benefits of it though, because i’m not building mass, I just want to condition, but I can see the muscles working while they are sore. Either way, i’ll be pretty cut by the time I finish this training program. I plan to do light-weights 3 times a week in the morning before I go to work since it only takes 15 minutes or so, then do my normal workout at lunchtime and leg weights at that point. My light weight workout consists of pushups (2×12 working to 3×15), lunges, crunches, curls, over-the-backs and rowing.

Either way, a 5-mile run really hurt today (sore) and I expect to take it easy this week in preperation for the start of training …….

edit – I was skeptical based on my initial thoughts on upper-body weight training during marathon training, but was inspired to hear the following quote from Runners World forums: “your arms are what keep you going when your legs are giving out on you…the stronger they are, the better your runnining will be.” …. I think thats enough to keep me doing the upper-body.