WeyHey! I did my exercises!

[SkiMonday]

When I got home this evening, I actually did my NHS Knee Exercises for Runners and my core strengthening exercises (plank, dead bug and boat). I know they're important to improve my running but I find it really difficult to motivate myself to do them. I just did one set instead of three because I don't want to overdo it.

Seems odd to me that I find it easy to motivate myself to go out for a two hour run (even when it's raining) but pushing myself to do a few exercises at home is really tricky. Maybe reminding myself that it doesn't take very long will help.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

What the heck is a dead bug and boat?

I do planks a lot, but dead bug and boat??? 😀 🐛😂

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to AlMorr]

Dead bug: lie on your back with arms pointing straight up and legs bent at 90 degrees (like they would be if you sat upright on a chair). Lower your left arm behind your head and straighten your right leg towards the floor. It's a bit tricky to coordinate at first, then it becomes easier, then, after a few more reps...

For the boat, you basically sit on the floor in a V shape so you're leaning back a bit with your legs straight. So far, I've done it with my legs bent because I can't get them straight and my stomach muscles can't hold the weight yet.

I found them on this site:

coachmag.co.uk/fitness/core...

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Thank you very much for your reply SkiMonday, I do sit ups on my non running days, so I'll try those two exercises as well. 😊.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I'm the same, I'm just terrible at making myself do a few reps of strength exercises but I'll go out for half a day running 🤷‍♂️ So I admire your dedication! Now to make it habit...

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Sqkr]

I guess the next step is to do them again tomorrow. I'll have a stern word with myself about that. Idea: I'll undertake to post on here tomorrow after I've done them, that should give me some incentive.

Are you planning on doing yours tomorrow?

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Nope, I'm on a rest week after my long run at the weekend, before starting to prep for the next one 😁 and besides there's no room on my floor for anything right now. Had to empty the attic for a workman and it's all over the flat now 😑

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Sqkr]

Ah! It's important to stick to planned rests (as far as I know anyway, I'm still a bit of a novice runner). Mind you, if floor space is a problem, could you work out in the attic? 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Can only agree! Nothing useful to share, sorry

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Probably in no small part because these exercises are tediously boring to do with no real end goal - whereas running is fun.

I have given these all a go before, but I don't bother to do them anymore. The key is to find something you enjoy doing.

I did the one month plank challenge as that gave me something to work towards. Other than that I have cycled, swam and done 200 skip challenge, 100 push up challenge etc. to mix it up a bit.

Consistent running is still the best thing by far to make you a stronger, better runner.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Good point Whatsapp. Although that might just kick off my stubborn streak which will get me doing the exercises anyway.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Well done!!!

I love doing strength exercises anyway, but an interesting podcast makes them even better! 😄😄😄

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Well, that worked! I just did 2 sets of the knee exercises and all 3 of the core. OK, I still can't get my legs straight for the boat but I held my feet off the ground so I think I'm getting most of the effect, it certainly feels like it anyway.

I think the knee exercises are worth trying because my knees have been starting to ache recently. They're definitely feeling better now but I don't know if that's due to the exercises or to taking a week off from running. As for the core exercises, I guess it's a case of wait and see.

I won't have chance to do the exercises tomorrow and probably not on Saturday but I'm aiming to do some more after my long run on Sunday.

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Well done for doing those exercises 👍. I also find it hard to motivate myself. I have put a yoga mat on the floor next to the bed as a reminder! Can't decide if it is better to do something every day, to create a habit of do them three times a week on non run days?