This past Saturday, I completed my 90-day challenge with Beachbody's P90X2. This was a tough three months! My goal was to do all the required workouts while maintaining a minimum of 15 running miles per week. For the most part, I met my goal (I missed a couple of workouts due to fatigue). It was very tiresome, but I did remain strong and do what it was that I set out to accomplish. I can't say that I can recommend this approach to just anyone. The P90X2 program is very demanding on the body in and of itself without the extra application of running. What I gained in overall strength, agility, and flexibility, may have overshadowed my running endurance. My legs are strong, but tired. As I begin my next phase of half marathon training (Hal Higdon's Intermediate), I hope to quickly notice the positive changes that will occur in my running capacity as the days and weeks go by.
I am so proud of myself and how strong I have become because of P90X2. I know that all that I have sacrificed to complete the challenge will pay off in the end. I look to be a more powerful runner due to the increased total body strength, especially in my legs and core. Unfortunately, I didn't lose the amount of weight that I anticipated. I didn't follow the meal plan exactly and I attribute my lack of weight loss to the extra calories I burned doing double workouts--to which I did not add back into my diet. It's true that you have to EAT to lose weight when you workout so hard. All in all, I've lost a couple pounds and a few inches in key areas, but gained a lot of muscle as well. Once I get back into running full-time and incorporate certain P90X2 strength workouts into my cross training sessions, I know that I will meet my weight loss goals by my next birthday. Would I do it again? Hell yeah! I love this form of training. Honestly, I consider myself more of an athlete than just a runner. I really look forward to round two of P90X2 next summer.
Side note: I ran in a rainy 5K on Saturday evening. I really shouldn't have signed up for a race so soon after P90X2 and days before my half marathon training began, but it was in a small town in my area and I wanted to just be there to support the cause. Funny how a "fun run" lands you in second place in your age group (AG). I wasn't setting out for a new 5K personal best (PB) due to so many factors, nor looking to place in an event where my AG tends to have lots of faster runners. However, the running and strength training gods decided to see to it that I received some recognition for all my handwork and determination this summer. I just want to say thank you!
Happy Running!
