Is it good to combine weights AND running, when starting out?

[bicyclejunk]

There's this 5k that I want to run and it's in 3-1/2 weeks.

But i want to use it as an excuse to get in shape, sort of

have a goal to work towards (i.e. doing good in the race but

also get in shape)

 

I've gotten a bit flabby and gained about 14lbs since x-mas.

Haven't run at all. I feel flabby and heavy and gross.

I'm a dude who's 5'9 and usually weighs 150. I've been eating

horribly and doing NO excercise.

 

Question: Should I just stick to running? Or should I involve

light Strength Training and Crunches and arms, legs, etc.?

My main goal is to tone up, can I do it on running/jogging everyday,

alone? I just want to use the 3 weeks wisely.

[laRubiaBonita]

i have read that to get the best benifits :toning and cardivascular health, you SHOULD alternate with strength training and cardio...every other day.....cardio one day, strength the next.

[westernxer]

Sounds like you're at a good weight for your height, compared to me (I'm 5'8" 195 lbs, but my Samoan heritage has a lot to do with it).

 

Definitely do crunches... I don't know if weight training is so important for a 5K, unless you have weak hamstrings or quads. Maybe some toning exercises for your upper body, just to balance things out a bit.

 

Diet is the most important. No fast food, no snacking on junk food, no late dinners, and no eating after dinner. Let your body burn the calories in the wee hours before you retire and while you sleep.

 

Drink lots of green tea, too... I swear by it.

 

Three weeks is plenty of time to see an improvement, but not a miracle. You need to start NOW.

[bicyclejunk]

Cool, thanks a lot. That really helps.

 

Yeah, I know strength training won't help

for a 5K, but I was thinking more for Overall

health and shape, not just for the Race.

I'm just using the race as an excuse to Push

me to get in shape.

 

5'9 being 164 would be alright, if my arms and legs

weren't so scrawny. it's my backside and my belly that's

holding a lot of the weight, cuz i go thru periods where I

don't give a s*** and eat whatever I want. It's not good,

i know.

 

If i'm going to get in shape, i definately gotta watch my Diet.

That's my downfall. I love food way too much and have little

self control.

 

Thanks everyone.

[westernxer]

Originally posted by bicyclejunk

If i'm going to get in shape, i definately gotta watch my Diet.

That's my downfall. I love food way too much and have little

self control.

 

Ever seen a Samoan before? To say they love food is an understatement. I know exactly where you're coming from.

[faux]

If you are asking about running with weights in your hands, I have heard this is good and very bad; it depends on who you ask. If you want to run on "off" days when you are strength training with weights, that also depends on who you ask; some people will say that you will gain very little from strength training with too much cardio, and others disagree.