Thanks to Alison for giving me an excellent blog post topic for tonight (her comment last night spurred it!). I’m going to try to be brief so I can disconnect properly tonight with the hubs so bear with me on the shortness (ish) of this post.
So here it is:
Running, combined with barre-style workouts, could quite possibly be the best workout combo around.
I know, I know, I’m just barely into week 1.5 of the Barre N9NE 60-day challenge and I can’t stop gushing. But seriously, this whole focus thing of mine is paying off already, I swear.
My running is starting to improve. In fact – I ran my longest run yet for this particular running season (just under 7 miles last Saturday, woot!). I still feel like my running mojo isn’t quite where it was last season (yet!) but I know it’s there – and just knowing/sensing that makes me smile. BIG smiles.
I’m eating mindfully. Embracing that food log. But not obsessing. Score!
My posture is improving. My core is strengthening. My shaking muscles are lengthening.
But most of all? I’m happy. Energized. Excited. About what the future holds.
Ok right…this was supposed to be about running, not just my growling cult-like obsession with Barre N9ne and all things barre.
Whoops.
So running. And Barre. Combined. What makes it such a great pair to me is mostly the mental impact vs. physical. I find that I’m being more mindful as I run. I’m paying attention to my legs as they push off the pavement. I’m noticing when my glutes engage on those hills in my neighborhood. I’m keeping my core tight and controlled which makes me feel centered, more confident, more stable, as I run. I’m paying attention to form – a huge component of any barre work is proper form. So the fact that I’m carrying this over into running is a major plus in my book.
As for focus? I am really, really glad I nixed all other cardio work with the exception of running during this challenge. I’m liking the simplicity factor. That, by doing so, my running pace/endurance will continue to grow. Without interruption due to my typical spastic-gotta-do-five-million-types-of-workouts mindset. No more . In fact, I’m even contemplating freezing my gym membership for the summer – I won’t be using it for classes, so why pay for it? This also goes along with my growing affection for barre – I’d rather pay for classes with the money I was spending on a gym membership I’m not using.
Long story short: Barre + Running = LOVE!
EatDrinkBreatheSweat 
LOL – so you opted for night with hubby over the run. Good choice my dear!!! Now log off and enjoy!!!
Yes, I did. And I disconnected quite successfully I might add! AND the forecast for Friday AM looks pretty dry so it will make for way better running conditions than last night!
I’m famous! 😀
I’m really pleased to read your running mojo is slowly but surely returning. And it was especially great to read the paragraph about posture: engaging your glutes, keeping your core tight, etc. I think a lot of people using running to “switch off” (I do!), but as a result, they also switch off from thinking about form, and what their body is doing. We would never do that in the weights room!
Am also enjoying the idea of disconnecting and having a date night too. I think that is also good for running (in the long term!) Hope you guys had fun!
Yes, you are famous 😉
You’re right – it’s very easy to just run without some level of thinking about your form/posture/stance. I’m not suggesting that we should all be OVER-thinking about that stuff while running, but “switching off” entirely won’t do you any favors either. Mindful running, if you will 🙂
Ya know, sis, I agree with you on the combo of running and barre. It has been a REALLY good combo for me too so far and I think a really effective one. Can’t wait for my full mojo to return!
Your mojo IS returning – just this week in fact. Seeeee. You got this, I knew you did!
You’re making me want to take a Barre class!!!
So excited for you and your running!! I may need to steal some if that mojo! 😉
If you have the chance to, please do – I promise you will not be disappointed!!
Steal away – I’m happy to share the mojo whenever possible 😉
all I need is some barre and I’d be right there with you. SOunds like the PERFECT balance.
🙂
I’d love that!! It is quite the balance, I must say. I dig it!
it does sound pretty simple which is nice. on the other hand im sure simple does not equal easy! it sounds like you’re doing really well with the workouts and the eating log! nice job!
Yup, simple as in “focus” vs. simple as in “easy” haha. Good point 😉
This has been a great couple of weeks so far, I’m clearly in love over here, as you’ve sensed!
I have been doing Core Fusion classes for the last year and when I returned to running after a two year hiatus I was blown away by how easy it felt. I assume barre n9ne is similar to CF? I also find yoga and running to be a great combo because in yoga you not only stretch out your tight hips and hammies, but you learn to be present with your breath in an “uncomfortable” position, which relates quite well to running. Cool stuff!
wow! that is so very telling, isn’t it? Just how effective a class like core fusion (or barre n9ne – yes, it’s quite similar) can be for all sorts of other types of exercise. The combo of running with barre has been awesome – not just for my running, but also for my endurance during those killer barre moves (that yes, are “uncomfortable” to put it mildly!)
I’m glad you’ve found a way to combine both of them and that you are enjoying it.
it’s been a blast 🙂
I know my Dailey Method classes aren’t the same as Barre, but they sound kinda similar and I would have to agree with you – they helped me a thousand percent with my last training cycle. A strong core will help you do everything better! I’ve been behind in my blog reading/commenting so I meant to ask you if you were only running during the challenge. Is this something that they recommended for you, or something you elected to do?
Nope, I came up with that combo myself. I know that I tend to spread myself too thinly with my workouts so figured now was the time to go with FOCUS over LOTSA STUFF. Especially since I’ve really needed to spend more time getting my running mojo back so by “just” running and doing barre classes, it’s giving me the time I need to improve in both areas.
It’s great to find a balance of workouts that really compliment each other, making you stronger, happier, and more excited about your health.
you’re right – it is about finding a balance between your workouts, about finding stuff you LOVE to do and doing it because you LOVE it, not because you “have to” or it’s a “chore” to do. That’s workout nirvana if you ask me 🙂
So, I tried to be a runner a few times over the years. I could never go for very long, or for very fast, without feeling like total and utter crap. I had bad knees and was always in constant pain. I also didn’t have a single bit of stamina. I decided to revisit running late last year (after about 5 months at the Bar Method and a month or so into Core Fusion) and it’s been a totally different experience. I’m constantly amazed at how much easier it is. My knees never hurt now – and I am up to 10 miles, with 12 scheduled for this weekend. I don’t think I’ll ever be fast, and I am OK with that, but I can’t believe how far I can go and how GOOD it feels. I think the added stamina comes from the fact that nothing hurts as bad as thigh work – if I can stick through that I can surely do one more mile.
Plus – I’m not gonna lie – it’s helped me drop a few extra pounds much quicker than (I think) just doing one or the other alone.
That is an amazing story – thank you for sharing it! I firmly believe that Core Fusion / Bar Method made all the difference in your running endurance/stamina, etc. That is awesome! Totally unreal.
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