strength training

Going into this training has been different than training for other races as I'm feeling a few steps behind starting  out injured.  Unbeknownst to me, the pain in my knee was shouting to me that something else was weak and in need of strengthening. With leg lifts and other stretches, I have a daily regimen now, and it seems that things are slowly getting better.  I am having to start out with more caution and not jump into speed work yet.  But, I am hopeful that the strength training will truly do what it is intended to do: to make me stronger in the long run. (no pun intended.) 

Wikipedia defines strength training as the following: 

Strength training is a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction which builds thestrength, anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.

When properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being, including increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength and toughness, improved joint function, reduced potential for injury, increased bone density, increased metabolism, improved cardiac function, and elevated HDL ("good") cholesterol. Training commonly uses the technique of progressively increasing the force output of the muscle through incremental weight increases and uses a variety of exercises and types of equipment to target specific muscle groups. Strength training is primarily an anaerobic activity, although some proponents have adapted it to provide the benefits of aerobic exercise through circuit training.

Sports where strength training is central are bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, Highland games, shotput, discus throw, and javelin throw. Many other sports use strength training as part of their training regimen, notably american football, wrestling, rugby,track and field, rowing, lacrosse, basketball, poledancing (or polefitness) and hockey. Strength training for other sports and physical activities is becoming increasingly popular.

While I am familiar with strength training as a runner, I laughed out loud reading this definition above that included pole dancing as a sport that used strength training as part of a training regimen.  :) Who knew?! 

Today, as I was running, I am happy to report that the my knee seems to be on the mend.  The word that kept coming to mind today in taking you on my run with me was the word STRENGTH. 

This is a time of strength training for you too. This time can an exercise that specializes in the use of resistance to induce contraction which builds strength. I am praying that this time of evaluation, of waiting, of organizing, of planning, of having to put plans on hold, of hoping, of trusting, of praying, of loving, of helping each other up, of putting one foot in front of the other, of dreaming, of crying out (and so much more!) will be a time where God gives you the strength you need for each step.