Are there any cross training aerobic or strength training activities that people swear by and would recommend that have improved your running?

Five miles today at 5:30 am. The weather was really actually quite nice for this time of the year. I just wish it wasn't so dark that early in the morning. I am really going to love when the spring and warm weather gets here!

Another NSV today...I've been very frustrated that the scale has been stuck on the same number for a MONTH now. Losing and gaining back the same pound day after day. Well, I pulled out a suit from my closet for work today that was skin tight on me 2 months ago and I was swimming in it! I could not believe how loose it was on me! Oh...and I forgot (not tooting my own horn but I am just so darn proud of my self control these days) to mention that today was our holiday lunch at work and we went to a very fancy restaurant and I did not deviate from my plan at all! I even asked for fresh strawberries with no whipped cream for dessert when everyone else was eating death by chocolate cake! LOL!

Kim that is awesome!!! I'd rather my clothes fit better then the scale move if I have to choose!

4.31 today, oh my goodness. Sadly, don't think I can run tomorrow... =/

2.75 today after taping drywall all day....would have skipped it but the girls said no way! Angie had yoga and they needed their walk!

11/1000 MILES

How many calories a day are you guys eating? I still want to lose a few pounds but I'm not sure what the balance would be in losing weight and having enough energy to train.

Good question I'm having the same issue. My weekly mileage the past two weeks and what I have planned for this week has jumped 10-15 miles compared to late november/early december but my appetite hasn't increased and I never have low energy during a run or my other exercise activities. I'm eating about 1500-1600 with the weekly 1800 on my off day which is the day before my long run. I eat 95% whole foods so I'm always full, the weight loss has remained steady at 1/2 lb a week which is my goal so I'm going to stick with it for now.

Any kind of weight training helps my running, and I would think that any kind of core training would be beneficial. Two things that have really helped me in the past -

30 Day Shred
Coming up with a free weight routine from stumptuous.com and Body Sculpting Bible for Women.

Cycling and swimming are both excellent crosstraining for running in my opinion. Particularly cycling.


+ 5.28 miles this morning. Week 1 of 2009 is in the bag and the mileage is enough to stay on track for a 1000 mile year, yippee!

2009 Run Challenge miles: 22.04... only 977.96 to go!

I ran 3 miles yesterday and biked 3.35 miles, which puts me at 11.something miles towards my 1000!!

+ 3 today = 14.8

Jackie, swimming, biking and weight lifting are all great ways to improve strength and endurance. I am looking to improve speed and my lactic threshold, so I'm trying something new. This month I am working sprint intervals into all my runs. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Kim, congrats on the NSV!!!!

I made it to the gym again this morning in the rain and cold and did 2 miles on the elliptical. I have all my meals planned today so I am set.

Again this morning 5 miles at 5:30 am and again another beautiful morning in the 30's. No wind. I LOVE no wind! I had to walk twice during my walk (distance was less than 1/2 mile total). What's up with that????? My quads have been SORE which NEVER happens. Is this a result of the low carb thing? I've been doing 2 tbsp of peanut butter on whole grain organic bread about 30 mins before I leave and I've noticed a remarkable difference.

GOOD QUESTION about the calorie thing. I'm STUCK at the weight I'm at now. My clothes are fitting better and I'm looking better but the scale actually went UP 2 lbs since Christmas for me and I've been more diligent about my carb intake. I am 6'2" and I am probably eating around 1800 calories a day. If I eat less my body tends to hold onto everything I eat and I'm STARVING. I really need to figure this out.

I managed 2 miles in total for walking around, getting to class.
I also swam a quarter of a mile today, if swimming counts. (I'm pretty sure it would.)
I've never been more happy my school has an indoor pool! It was great!

did 2.25 miles today, so that's 5 total now. I also swam a half mile though. Ever since I started swimming a few times a week my running has gotten better. I am hoping once my chest cold is gone and I am 100% I can up the mileage on both.