It may not be a straight leap from considering one sport such as running to be the primary focus to suddenly following a powerlifting routine instead.
There are a couple reasons why I've chosen powerlifting as a training and health methodology. First, strength building never goes out of style. The adaptations the body takes on in tendon, ligament and muscular strength are worth their weight in gold. Especially when you consider the recovery improvements when you venture back into running.
Secondly, I love it. I can step into my garage and later walk out having done a comprehensive training session hitting compound movement patterns and knowing confidently that my body was better for it. Being able to move weight is fantastic.
In order to make the transition from running, even if it's temporary, to something like powerlifting, you need to have a few things lined up.
The first is the access to equipment. Should be a no brainer, but you need something to pick up, squat, and press.
Next you need a strength training plan. My first plan was Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength" (SS). It's a linear progression pattern and it gets you strong on a very predictable/stable climb.
Other plans I've tried:
- Jim Wendler's 5-3-1
- This program is simple and effective. I'd recommend it after a year of SS.
- Smolov Jr Squat Program
- Brutal, but in 6 weeks your squat will be a LOT stronger. Just eat your way through recovery.
- Westside Barbell
- Conjugate. I haven't given this a fair shot, but it does appear to work well. I refocused on running and shelved powerlifting for a while. This was the program I ended on.
- Minimalist Method
- This program was what brought me back and has been helpful in developing and redeveloping balanced strength. I like Brian Schwab's approach and for a 20 year veteran in the powerlifting world with ZERO injuries, my ears popped up.
NOTE: I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THESE FOLKS IN ANYWAY. I DO NOT GET ANY KICKBACK FROM SHARING THEIR LINKS.
So for now, I am 6 weeks into the Minimalist Method. I like it. It's smart and the patterns on range of motion, weight, and progression make sense and are relatively easy to decipher. Kind of like a "Duh" moment, but just needed to be articulated. Brian did just that. I'll be posting vids of progress as I go along.
As for running, I'm still in PT, but the ankle appears to be healing and the flare-ups in the Achilles are diminishing.
Oh and I'm still doing archery.
