DH and his colleagues had planned a BBQ yesterday, but of course, rain ruined it. The park would not cancel or postpone the reservation based on the weather forecast (a little annoying, but I don't really blame them, these forecasts can't be believed), so we had to drive to the park Saturday morning and watch the rain beat down mercilessly on the already soaked earth, before heading home. One of the families joined us and we did some indoor grilling, stuffed ourselves and played table tennis. I don't think I can handle any more hot dogs or burgers this summer!
Glenn has been talking about this combination workout he designed, which he calls the "Super G". It's his workout, he can name it whatever he wants! It includes 6.2 miles of running (flat roads + hills + stairs + running backward) + strength training. He estimated it would take about 2 hours to complete. We decided to meet this morning and take on the "Super G".
I had switched my long run to Thursday and did nothing but a slow 4 miler since then, so I would have some fuel in the tank for this. I didn't really know what to expect. It was pouring rain this morning, when I met Glenn and his friend (and personal trainer), Blaine. The rain subsided somewhat by the time we started. I am always interested in new running routes, so I enjoyed the run. Glenn grew up in this town, so he pointed out historic neighborhoods and the grammar school he went to (we did the stairs portion of our workout in the school yard). We then headed to Green Acres Park, where Glenn's girlfriend Mikki was patiently waiting for us in her car, loaded with refreshments and dumbbells. The next 1/2 hour, the rain came down heavy, as we struggled through weights, pushups and punishing exercises. Blaine demoed the exercises; they were challenging, but not overwhelming. I have no doubt we looked like 3 crazy people. I mean, running in the rain is one thing. Pounding weights in the middle of an outdoor basketball court, in rain that almost blinds you, is something else! Mikki shook her head in disbelief; she informed us that the US Open Golf Tournament postponed play due to the weather today...Tiger Woods wouldn't play in the rain, why were the 3 of us out here?
After gulping down way too much Gatorade and chewing on a lemon lime Clif Shot Blok (I might start using these instead of GU on my shorter "long" runs), we made our way out of the park. We still had 3 miles to go. The last 1.6 miles were hills. That did not sound like fun...a mile and a half of hills at the end of a 2 hour workout is not what a hill newbie like me wants to hear. They were not as bad as I imagined, though. I took them at a slow pace, and we finished together. It had taken us exactly 2 hours, including breaks. Bananas and apples, protein bars, more gatorade and water awaited us. Glenn was so thorough in planning this. We stretched and chatted for a while. The pain came much later, after I showered, fell asleep on the couch and awoke from a solid 3-hour nap. My legs are holding up alright, but my upper body took quite a beating. If I make whining, whimpering noises, DH might give me a shoulder rub later.
That was a complete workout. Thanks a ton, Glenn and Mikki!
Week's workouts:
Monday: 7 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles + BodyWorks + spinning
Thursday: 14 miles
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 6.2 miles + strength training
Total mileage: 36.2 miles
About Me
- I Run for Fun
- I grew up in a small town in South India. Sports was the only way for me to spread my wings and see a bit of the world - a world comprising neighboring towns and cities. My athletic prowess, unfortunately did not take me beyond the state level. After graduating from college and moving away from home, running faded into the background, resuscitated by the occasional jog in the park and nudges by my father, a compulsive runner. Then, I joined DH in the US. DH in his hey-day was a sprinter par excellence. But starchy foods and a sedentary lifestyle were equally appealing to him, and introduced to this way of life, I happily adapted. Needless to say, my waistline quickly adapted too, which my brutally honest siblings never hesitated to point out. I started a run/walk routine 2-3 days a week. Coaxed by a colleague, I completed my first 5K race, which gave me what I recognized as a runners' high. For the first time in my life, I raced for the sheer pleasure of running. I was hooked! Now, 3 1/2 years and several races (5K to marathon) later, I still enjoy running and the reason, I believe, is because I RUN FOR FUN.
28 comments:
congrats on finishing that super G! sorry to hear about the rain - i hope the next time you're in the park, it's beautiful and sunny!
You must have been a sight to see! Sounds like a killer workout.
Wow sounds like a crazy workout especially in the rain!! You know it was a good workout if you are sore later on in the day!
that workout sounds hard enough, let alone in the rain! hardcore girl :)
hope you've had a good weekend despite the weather.
Gotta love the rain, huh? It's been going like crazy here for the past week or so!
Nice week of workouts!
I like that "super G" mix!! it's fun to add stuff onto just a 'regular run' sometimes. in the rain?? even better ;) way to stick it out!
Bummer about the rain, but glad you mdae the best of it with the indoor bbq! The super G sounds awesome! I love that kind of challenging workout
The Super G is a crazy workout, but sounds kinda fun too! Great job this week. You are a machine!
sounds like a lot of fun (minus the rain) and a great workout!! Well done, and it's great to be able to mix things up a bit!
Love the rain. Its so refreshing. Not so sure about the Crazy I mean Super G.
Congrats on finishing the Super G! I probably would have been a wimp and found a way to take the ST portion indoors.
The Super G sounds pretty cool! You know, you can use the tennis ball on your upper body, too. I use it for my shoulders, when they get a little tight/sore. The tennis ball is a wonder tool :-)
Felice, I did roll all over a tennis ball last night...it helped a lot. Thanks for the suggestion.
Great week! I tend to like the cranberry Shot Bloks the best. They are like candy.
Super G would have wiped me out! Sounds like you did great with all those hills and strength training...in the rain, too! Wow.
Just reading about this workout makes me cringe. It sounds pretty intense!
It sounds like an awesome workout!
Very good job. And great job on the preparation. The food and drink would have made the workout doable.
I too am dick of the rain!
I might just have to try the Super G workout.
Wow, that sounds like a great workout. Can you post a little bit more about the weight component? I've been trying to get back into a strength training routine and would love any tips!
That sounds like a tough workout. Great week!
I LOVE the idea of the Super G workout. Seriously, you all are BADASSES!! Lifting in the rain??! FABULOUS!!!!!!! I want to workout with you guys! (And golfers are sissies anyways.)
No more hotdogs or burgers "this summer" - what? The first day of summer was two days ago! LOL
You're in trouble!
wow that just sounds intense!!! awesome job :)
Sounds like a crazy fun workout :-) When are you planning on doing it again? You got in an amazing week of workouts! Good job!!
Abby, I will post about the strength training in my next post.
Scheri, we need to recover from this one first!
Amy, you're welcome anytime. I'd love to work out with you...though I've no doubt you'll kick my butt!
Dang that's hard-core!!! I would've commenced the whimpering waaaaay earlier :)
Actually I used to do something very similar--just not in the rain! It was a workout I got from Runners World where you ran 2 miles then did a serious of weight exercises, using dumbells and machines, and then you ran 2 more miles. Eventually you bump up to 3, weights, and 3. Surprisingly, even after doing the weights, the second run always went faster. The payoff was added strength and endurance and maybe even a little extra speed. Keep it up to see results down the road.
great job on the workout! It is finally nice out down here in MD...finally!
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