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Running Pain Free Through Run Streaks
How adding in strength training made my running more enjoyable
I firmly believe in doing the workouts you enjoy and forgetting about all the rest. It’s the only way to make working out part of your lifestyle. If you don’t love it, you will find any excuse to skip it.
Over the years, I’ve tried almost every form of working out, from taking walks, hours on the elliptical, weight machines at the gym, at-home videos, and stationary bikes. Some fit my lifestyle and limitations for a season, but running is where my heart truly lies. It is the only workout I want to do.
I committed to running just over 10 years ago and never looked back. I didn’t follow a plan or training schedule. I just ran however long and however fast I wanted every day.
I avoided any major running injuries for the first several years, though I constantly experienced minor tweaks and twinges. My bathroom closet has two bins filled with braces for every part of my body. Most of my runs were spent with an ankle or knee brace wrapped around me or various parts of my legs covered in KT tape. The pains never hindered my everyday life and constantly improved during each run, so I figured it was all part of the sport.
