Think about a sport or activity that you really love to do. It could be gardening, golf, or hiking. Personally, I love to run. Now think back to a time when you couldn’t do that “thing” or couldn’t do it as well. When you can’t do what you love, it’s sad! This happened to me not that long ago, and I felt pretty defeated.
A Runner Who Couldn’t Run
I often write about running because I love it so much, and you may have noticed that I’m a marathoner. Imposter-syndrome didn’t let me believe I was a marathoner for awhile, as I’ve “only” run three official marathons. But I trained and raced well, and I’m proud of the title these days. I also volunteer as a run leader at The Sole Experience Running Company, and lead four training groups a year: two half-marathon and two trail-time groups. So in fact, I’m in half-marathon shape twice a year!
Sometimes I’ll run the events, but in the past few years I was feeling unmotivated (thanks, Covid), and sustained a few injuries that disrupted my running. These weren’t “oops, I fell down” type injuries, but an even worse kind. One was an “oops, I stopped being consistent with my strength training, so I got weaker, developed imbalances, and manifested a repetitive-use injury” from running. Then there was the “oops, I stopped doing Pilates consistently, so my calf and foot got super-tight and I could barely walk” injury. Good times.
When you can’t do what you love, it’s sad. I know I felt that way when I couldn’t run the way I wanted to. These setbacks took time to heal, and it forced me back to getting consistent with my weight and strength training. The latter is a good thing, and it reminded me to keep doing what I know works for me.
It Feels Good to Feel Good
When you’re good at something, it feels good to go out and do them with friends and others who love it, too. As a runner, not running is the worst! I know many runners that will run through the pain and then end up taking months (or years) off to recover. I’ve learned my lesson, and I know that I perform my best (and hurt a LOT less) when I’m consistent with Pilates and strength training. When I do both I’m stronger, more flexible, mobile, and get fewer injuries. I feel amazing when I run and when I do all the other things I love.
Fitting It All In
I want you to keep doing your favourite things without having to stop because of an injury or having to work out seven days a week. In fact, you shouldn’t work out every day; rest days are essential, too.
My most successful runs happened when I weight trained two or three days a week and did Pilates regularly. The weight training was only forty-five minutes to an hour at a time, and the Pilates varied. Sometimes I’d only do demonstrations while I taught classes, or would do fifteen minutes before bed. Other days I’d attend an hour-long class or follow an online class. I am back to doing Pilates most days because it’s gentle and makes me feel good; especially after a long run on the weekend!
Your ideal mix of Pilates and strength training may look different, depending on what activities you already do in your life and other factors. To find the balance that works for you, why not swap one of your usual runs or workouts with Pilates or weight training? Working out at home is another simple way to fit more fitness into your day. Try the Sweat with Melissa App for workouts on demand, or join me in the Studio for more personalized support.
I’ve got you covered!
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