Running is a popular activity and so is bodybuilding. Those who love to run have very different bodies than those who are bodybuilders. Ironically, it is not unheard of for bodybuilders to run in races and even compete in marathons.
Work Your Way Into Cardio Work
Before a bodybuilder begins preparing for distance running, he or she may need to start with short cardio programs just to get used to heart rate increases. It is a good idea for a bodybuilder who is interested in running to see a doctor and get a heart monitor for those aerobic activities
Diet Adjustments
To begin preparing the body for regular cardio and running, bodybuilders will need to make adjustments to their diet. They should eat more complex carbohydrates and less protein. The muscles work differently during running than during bodybuilding, so the diet necessities are much different. Muscle twitch fibers will need to change and body builders will notice their muscles will probably get smaller as their heart rate and racing speed increase. Besides eating more carbs, running body builders need to eat lean protein. They should avoid sugary foods, just like always.
Weightlifting Changes
Bodybuilders will also need to change how they lift weights. Instead of high weights and low reps, running bodybuilders will need to lift less weight with many repetitions at a slower pace.
Running Program
It is a good idea for bodybuilding runners to follow a proper runner training program if they decide to enter marathons or other distance races. There are special running practices and tapers that help prepare runners for the extreme distance of a marathon and bodybuilders who want to run should follow a traditional practice. Running magazines can help give bodybuilders and other beginning runners many good programs to follow.
Interval Runs
Bodybuilding runners should incorporate interval runs into the workouts. This means that runners will run at a steady pace, then sprint for a minute, then walk for a minute, and then return to the steady pace. Bodybuilding runners should run an interval run once a week and no matter how long they run, they should end with the full sprint, just like at the finish of a big race.
Don’t Run Before Lifting
Bodybuilding runners should never run before they lift weights. It is important to be mindful while lifting and most people are not with it after a long run. It is also important for bodybuilding runners to really stay aware of their bodies while doing both activities since an injury can take them out of two activities.