Don't forget the GIVEAWAY ending 2/28/11!!
So, my training tribulations about using a weight vest on a run didn't slip by. Couple of comments inquired why I used a weight vest for my 7 mile run Sunday came up.
So, my training tribulations about using a weight vest on a run didn't slip by. Couple of comments inquired why I used a weight vest for my 7 mile run Sunday came up.
Blog interaction! Love it!
The weight vest. Sometimes I love to hate it. I have a Gold's Gym vest that I bought 3 years ago. It stemmed from the fact I was away from home for work a lot and didn't have access to weights and wanted a way to add resistance to my training.
These days it's an added perk for pain.
My take is this; back in college (almost 10 years ago! GASP!) I signed up for a "jump training" class. Basically it was plyometrics to increase your vertical jumping ability. It was the most intense training I have ever completed. I yarfed after the first 2 classes like 90% of the class. But, I also gained an appreciation for the plyometrics side of training.
Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. - wikipedia
I gained around 2 to 3 inches on my vertical jump and for a short period I could slam dunk a mini-basketball (hands aren't big enough to hold a full size ball).
But, I liked the idea of loading my muscles beyond normal body weight for training aside from weight lifting. It's similar with weight lifting, but with weights, generally you are not aerobically training unless you are circuit training. Usually that does not involve running.
So, I train occasionally with a weight vest to load my body with extra weight. Similar to running hills and sprints to get strength or speed, I load with extra weight to incorporate strength training with cardio training for added endurance. Have you noticed after a hill or sprint workout you can run faster and it seems easier? I know jumping from hills on the treadmill at 7.5 pace to flat at 8.5 pace seems like a breeze. Same idea with a weight vest. Running with it kills you but when you race without it... speed ensues.
Would you ride your bike on training rides with your aero wheels and aero helmet? If you do, you make that ride easier and your training isn't pushing the limits. I subscribe to making training more taxing than the actual event. Ever see the guys running around with the weight sled attached to them or that big parachute thing? Similar idea but I use a weight vest.
But, I'm not a trained coach. Just self trained and this is a snippet of one of the training techniques I use to keep it mixed up for muscle confusion and strength training.
2 comments:
I can see your logic; however, the added impact is the concern. I think the weight vest would be great for walking / lunging up stadium steps but by running you are increasing the impact and wear and tear on your joints.
The cycling analogy with the aero components is not applicable. You are not adding any additional impact. And the required effort to ride should not be any easier – you should just be faster. That is not the same as running with the weight vest.
To each his own but I would save the weight vest for pull-ups and squats. If you want a harder run workout then run faster.
Agree-sounds like an injury "WEIGHTING" to happen...!
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