Anyone been a runner and switched to gym/weightlifting?

[Spck]

So been a runner for years - not fast but v consistent. Now post menopausal and finding running harder. Think it is having more of an impact on pelvic floor and not necessarily giving me the toning I want. I wanted to move more to gym work and machines but wondered if anyone has done this and what they felt the benefits were?
I know I can do both but realistically I run 20 + miles a week and couldn’t combine this with the gym as I like to have 2 days off a week. So to incorporate gym I would have to reduce running.

Yes, I used to run three times a week but in the last couple of years I found it really hard on my knees and I’ve gone back to more gym stuff. I do 3-4 spin classes a week and 3 body pump (weights).

I’m a really crap runner - usually 5k slow once a week - sometimes a bit more often and longer but not often.
Am early fifties and have just started doing weights but have found that even not having done many weight sessions my running times have sped up.
This video is really interesting in explaining that even once a week weight training has a big effect on fitness and strength.

Yes and it changed my body shape fairly quickly for the better in a way running never has.
I now do fairly heavy weight training 3 times a week, I'm able to eat far more without gaining weight, and I'm much less tired as I don't spend nearly as much time exercising

Thanks for the replies @Daisy03 that’s kind of exactly what I wanted to hear! I find I’m zonked for the day after running now - especially a long run. So it doesn’t feel like an efficient use of time now - although I do still often get the endorphin rush after I’ve done it.

Yes, I've cut my cardio to 1-2 sessions a week and strength train/weights is now 3/4 sessions a week. I feel stronger, more toned, less aches and pains from running & can eat more as well!

Yes I shifted my sessions around when running gave me plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Stopped running for 6 months so really upped my weights sessions.

Now even though my feet are better, I’ve lost my mojo for running and prefer the gym. I do a mix of lifting, strength training, some HIIT and the odd run. I’m strong and have definition, but I am heavier.

i have started weight training with a PT after about 10 years of running. I have been amazed that it has made my running so much easier, and it is preventing the injuries I was finding happening more and more when running. I was suffering from piriformus and lots of glute pain, that is almost completely disappeared as my core and glutes are so much stronger.

I am also enjoying the challenge of lifting heavier weights than I ever thought possible. I am a 50 something woman so not your average weightlifter! I have not given up the running as there is nothing like the feeling of being outside and running, but doing weights has been the perfect complement and I believe will keep me running longer. So I say go for it!

I'm in my 60s, and working out with quite heavy dumbbells has changed my physique, my fitness and my life. Not kidding.

@Spck - look up Caroline Girvan on YouTube. The best online trainer around.

You’re not talking about switching, you’re talking about combining. I think your running should improve by adding strength into the mix. I always balanced it with weights classes when I was running a lot.

I'm in exact same position as OP and wondered if all the PPs who do weights use a PT every session? Or just have a few PT sessions then work individually once you know what you're doing?

The cost of 2-3 PT sessions per week on top of gym membership is putting me off a bit. I wouldn't mind doing it for a short period to get me started, but i wouldn't like to think I was then stuck with the need for PT forever to keep it up.
@lovealotbear
@FlowerArranger
@deeperthanallroses

Thanks!

@Fingernails4Cash

PTs should be flexible. They can set you a program, and check in with you once a week or once a fortnight, or whenever you like, really.

Interesting thread. I'm 40, been a fell runner all my life but lately feel so tired and been getting foot problems that I have never had before.

I'd like to lift weights but going to the gym seems like more time in the day to find and also expensive. My nearest gym is 30 quid a month which is a lot for me.

I have some kettlebells st home. The heaviest is 8kg and I find that tough going so I do think I need to get stronger.

Christ no I have never used a personal trainer regularly except for post baby recovery. That said, i am doing reformer pilates post baby and that is amazing - the body knowledge and muscle awareness she provides.
i would do pump classes at the gym, general weights at the gym and when you know what you are doing just weights on my own at home, I only have hand weights and therabands but you can do a lot with them and your body weight. You can also find good online gym classes these days. Pure weights and aerobic like Thai box style classes were my thing, I wanted to build muscle healthily so the dynamic movements of eg kicks and punches are good for that.

I want to take up weights too. Thanks for the video link.

There are loads of good online weights vids on YouTube etc. I was a crap runner then hurt my ankle and I haven’t returned to it. Strength training all the way for me. For years I ran and did loads of cardio. I looked ok but a bit scrawny. Weight training has given me strength but also great conditioning. I am so much more toned now.

I used a PT for around 10 sessions just to make sure I had technique correct and was safe.
I initially used the gym then during covid built up a collection of weights and equipment at home

Yep I use to run , now I do spin classes and then some weights in the gym then a swim.

Strength training will massively improve your running.
I managed a reasonable time for 10 miles the other week and majority of my training beforehand had been strength based. Only ran any decent distance in the month beforehand and managed to get a 10K pb in the 10 miles too!

Yes, I ran intensively from my 20s, trained with a club & competed at the weekends.

I kept going but reduced it when pregnant but never got back to the same levels of running after pregnancy.

When I had my 3rd child (eldest was just turning 4), I felt I needed to build back up my muscle strength. I weighed the same but didn't feel toned. I started HIIT then, and shortly afterwards changed to HIIT / circuit 3 days & running 2 - 3 days.

Until early 40s I kept running long distance & then started to get injuries which were hard to manage.

Now (46) I love my classes - Spin, Strength, HIIT - all have some element of weights (including the Spin). I have recently increased my exercise to 7 days - 6 days of classes & 1 run which I use as recovery. I think I'd like to do one more run but loath to do less classes!

I do 7 days as I feel I need it truthfully to manage my body shape & weight (for me exercise is key in that) but also I think it's so important for women to ensure they are doing weights & intensive cardio to manage bone density, continued balance & stability & stave off weight on the middle. Running is a great form of exercise but will not do all of this.

In short - yes, I do think switching exercise & combining more is a great idea!

Strength training will massively improve your running.

Absolutely. I've found this too.

You don't take a day off each week, @EarringsandLipstick ? That's a recipe for injury.

I know what you're saying, and would usually agree!

But the mix of classes I do is varied enough that I do get a break. Mon - Thurs is intense but mixed - eg Mon: Spin with short cardio / weights session at end; Tues - HIIT with weights; Wed - Spin; Thurs - similar to Tues. Friday is a short session and Sunday a slow-ish recovery run of 45 min. Sat I mix up between a few different options.

I couldn't run 7 days or do cardio / HIIT 7 days for sure.

My biggest issue is not enough sleep - I train at 6, have 3 DC busy with sports each evening + busy job so never get to bed early enough.

My biggest issue is not enough sleep

You know that's related to over-training, don't you?

You really do need at least one day off per week for recovery. Especially if you're not sleeping enough. That won't end well.

I am the other way round. Started HIT and weights in early 50s, then took up running.

I now strength train quite seriously and run (fairly slowly) outside for general fitness and stress busting.

I agree with pp about the benefits of strength training. Specifically, on the tiredness issue, in the first lockdown I focussed on running, was up to 12-14 k three times a week, because I had to scale back my strength training. Those runs did really take it out of me and took ages! I now run 6-8k 3 times a week, and do a bit of HIT, but strength training is my main thing. You do need good sleep and fuel for it, but once you know what you are doing, most sessions don't need to be long (I can do quite a lot in 45 mins) and it mostly doesn't leave me feeling depleted. I feel strong and energetic in my everyday life.