Want to get in shape!

Bvlgari · 29-Mar-04, 03:11 PM

I'm going to the Annapolis summer camp for junior high school students. I would like to be in excellent condition by that time. I've weightlifted for some time (a year and a half), and I am pretty muscular because of it. I figured this was going to contain problems.

Should I stop weightlifting in order to get in better shape? What ought my eating habits ought to be for running? I think I ought to increase my VO2 max, a lot, and get into excellent shape for anything up to a five mile run.

Right now, if I run five miles, my calves start to kill me after the first two. It is really painful. I won't exclude the possibility, but I doubt there is anything genetically deficient with me, like lactose intolerance. Generally, I'm genetically gifted.

Like I mentioned, I am very muscular (though not body-builder). I have big thighs (without weight training), best for sprinting.

I've tried some interval training, and I would really appreciate a program that WORKS that I could get through in 10 weeks in time for camp.

gym rat · 29-Mar-04, 05:00 PM

Why would you consider stopping lifting to get in better shape? Continue to weight lift and do some HIIT

Bvlgari · 01-Apr-04, 02:49 AM

I really don't think I'm getting many gains out of interval training. I do a 400 yard fast past run. I mean, I pretty winded by the time I'm done, and then I try to jog another 200 yards to catch my breath, before I do another 400 yards, again fast past. I usually do the 400 yards in around a 70-80 seconds. I do this four times, then I have to sit down. Should I just stick to the interval training, cause progress is right around the corner?

I've got 10 weeks to get in great shape, so some more descriptive advice would be appreciated.

Jude3085 · 01-Apr-04, 07:27 AM

If you don't want to get bigger, i sugegst doing strength training to get stronger.

About the cadiovascular, i suggest going on google and search for a beginners running guide.

They usually go something like, run 3 minutes and walk 2 repeat 5 times.

Each week the minutes change and after the program is done you will be able to last 30 minutes or whatever the traget is. Their are different guides. Like, one that trains you to run for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or even 30 minutes.

**jgriffith** · 01-Apr-04, 08:14 AM

I would run down and backs on the track 100 yards down 100 yards back, do 30 crunches or 30 push ups in between and do it again. Keep upping the amount of down and backs you can do, eventually you'll be able to do a lot of them. Also mix in some longer runs at a slower pace. Dont stop lifting though! Being in overall good shape means both cardiovascularly and strengthwise.

Bvlgari · 01-Apr-04, 03:00 PM

Hmm... right.

: Well, today I ran 5 miles. My calves felt like they'd blow, but I got to a point where I no longer felt the pain. Heh, well, it was alright. I guess that a smart move would be to run five miles three times a week, to get my legs into shape, and to do my real cardiovascular work (so that I can run faster) the other three days. But I'll remember you're advice griffith, it didn't sound that bad!

In the mean time, I'm going to look at that Running Guide for Beginners that was mentioned earlier.

Again, more advice would be appreciated!

**MAURER** · 01-Apr-04, 03:05 PM

do a search for "roadwork" i know it has been discussed here before. it will get you in awesome shape i guarentee it.

Bvlgari · 01-Apr-04, 03:11 PM

I found roadwork, but dude. No one says what it is!

Enlighten me!

**MAURER** · 01-Apr-04, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bvlgari

I found roadwork, but dude. No one says what it is!

Enlighten me!

here's a website for roadwork that was in one of the threads. see how you like it: ROADWORK

hope you enjoy.

Bvlgari · 02-Apr-04, 02:13 PM

Sounds cool. I'll go for it! Is 6 times a week over doing it?

Bvlgari · 02-Apr-04, 02:14 PM

I've been running for 3 months, and I want to excercise everyday, in order to burn fat AND get in shape. If there's anything on me I can spare, it's got to go. No extra baggage.

Would long distance running 3 times a week, and roadwork the other three be a good deal?

**MAURER** · 02-Apr-04, 11:37 PM

if you're up to it i think it would be great but i think thats al ot of work personally. its all about motivation.

Bvlgari · 03-Apr-04, 12:17 PM

How much difference would it make if I did roadwork everyday?

Bvlgari · 03-Apr-04, 12:18 PM

I tried it today. Hard stuff, I did 160-80 meter fast paced runs, then I jogged slowly back, did the push-ups and curl-ups, and then repeat. 3 times, and then I stopped. Will give it another go tomorrow.

Bvlgari · 03-Apr-04, 01:09 PM

Just went for a 3-mile run. Did it in 18 minutes. Was pretty pleased, cause it had some up and down parts that wore me out. My pace wasn't constant though. Had to slow down to catch my breath, but the last half-mile felt good. My calves weigh a ton now.

I think running twice a day might be my thing, but again, is that gonna make getting into better shape go faster?

I'm not weightlifting this easter break, so I don't have to worry about that. I've got ten days to do some hardcore running, and I intend to make the most of it.