2026 Strength Training Accountability Thread

[SheHulk]

@SheHulk, good timing for the thread. I was just thinking after marathon weekend that it's probably time to look into some type of strength training.

Well, given that we are getting a foot-plus of snow, I figure there is nothing better to do this weekend than pick up a dumbbell.

 

[jmasgat]

Well, given that we are getting a foot-plus of snow, I figure there is nothing better to do this weekend than pick up a dumbbell.

See my mind would go to a baking project (cookies, cake, bread) so already you’re one up!

 

[marty3d]

Will also be following this thread. I’d already decided consistency in my strength training needed to be a goal this year. I’ve been all over the place the last few years. I was terrible keeping up with it during the last 6 weeks of training for NYC. I was much more consistent in the lead up to Goofy (which could explain why I recovered so quickly afterwards) but wasn’t consistent in my running which left me undertrained. My issue as always is balancing the 2 (amongst other things)

I’ve also been considering working with a trainer - both to help build out a better strength training plan but also to hold me accountable to actually following through with it.

Good timing on this thread as now that I’m (almost) home for the first time since MW I’m planning to start back with both strength training and running as early as tomorrow.

 

[MissLiss279]

@MissLiss279 I was thinking of trying orangetheory, but I take it it's not great for strength training then?

It’s okay for strength training, probably better if you go more than twice a week. If you go to a really busy studio, the classes may be ‘3G’ which means it’s split into 3 groups - and you’ll be at each station about 14 minutes. Usually the rower station would add some additional body weight exercise - plus rowing itself is a good workout.
Since the owners of my studio opened another studio in our city, my studio classes have gotten a little smaller, so we have gone back to 2G classes. So we have about 20-25 minutes on the weight floor with some of that time spent on the rower. I really like all the variety and I think it is a good workout. For a good strength workout, you have to make sure you are using heavy weights when you need to. Since I go twice a week, I’m not sure if I get a well rounded total body consistently. I definitely saw the strength work for me when I first started because I hadn’t been doing much strength workouts at all before then.
I think it is worth trying their first free class if you haven’t done that - to see what you think.

 

[JediKnightXan]

Now that the Marathon is over I'm planning on getting back to lifting so following along. Pretty much had to stop in October r as milage was ramping up.

Still little beat up from the race though. So today was some like leg exercises trying to get some tendinitis under control.

For those looking for programs, I have had some success with Tactical Barbell, if you Google it you can find a PDF copy of the book. There are three day or two day a week programs that are designed to fit around running or other activities in there. (The names are a little "Tacticool", the "Fighter" is a two day a week program). You pick two or three lifts and then they give you what % of your estimated max to do and how many reps on a 6 week schedule.

For at home stuff in 2024 I ran though the "Iron Series" on YouTube, justed needed some adjustable dumbbells. 5 days a week two upper body two lower body and one full body. If you want a longer workout the YouTube description for each day links to some optional addons. I did this while PT said to back off of running due to some runners knee. Really like the first leg day program. This helped me in good enough shape to start doing more gym work if that makes sense.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPWmStsg7imo5EQ0zmkxymJ2

 

[GollyGadget]

Add me to the list of folks that need help strength training.

I’ve done this program in the past and liked it. It’s runner focused and relatively quick. I could definitely tell I was gaining strength in my hamstrings which is a definite weak point of mine. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqooxCKfsnl42kCJ4htZCtw0nxfHAC05q&si=C2AmG3pXRp_oxlEm

I bought myself the Running Rewired book for Christmas so I’m going to give that program a try in a couple of weeks. First my hamstrings have to survive a half marathon on Sunday .
No review yet on the workouts since I didn’t think it was good timing to start something new with a race so soon. However, I did enjoy the read and would recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about running biomechanics with no physiology background.

 

[The Expert]

So many great recs here! I wonder if we should compile them into the first post @SheHulk -- happy to help with that if you don't have time. Also, does this make more sense on top of the Training Journals thread or does anybody care? (I'm pretty sure the admins have forgotten this section of the board exists anyway, but just a thought.)

 

[KCO5988]

A few years back I was consistently doing Caroline Girvan workouts on youtube. She has a website and a bunch of different programs/schedules that are all free. She also just has "a la cart" workouts. I enjoyed the workouts and may try to get back to them. All the workouts can be done with just dumbbells and few other small home gym extras (but she also will give alternatives if you don't have them). She doesn't talk at all during the workouts, it's just music playing in the background which I enjoyed. She lifts insanely heavy weights and is a beast, but almost every move she does is basic which is nice for us less than beasts.

 

[SheHulk]

So many great recs here! I wonder if we should compile them into the first post @SheHulk -- happy to help with that if you don't have time. Also, does this make more sense on top of the Training Journals thread or does anybody care? (I'm pretty sure the admins have forgotten this section of the board exists anyway, but just a thought.)

You read my mind -- I was planning on doing this after work today.
I struggled with whether to start this here or in the Training journals sub-forum, but decided to put it here because it would (hopefully) be many people checking in and discussing, not just me. I wouldn't know how to move it anyway -- would it have to be restarted as a new thread? Are we ok with leaving this here?

PS my quads are sore today

 

[The Expert]

You read my mind -- I was planning on doing this after work today.
I struggled with whether to start this here or in the Training journals sub-forum, but decided to put it here because it would (hopefully) be many people checking in and discussing, not just me. I wouldn't know how to move it anyway -- would it have to be restarted as a new thread? Are we ok with leaving this here?

PS my quads are sore today

I'm good either way, but I think we can tag an admin and ask them to move it if that's the call.