As readers of this site know, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m much more dolphin than gazelle. As such, there are still those moments when the thought of a 30 or 50 mile training week leave me flinching at the lengthy distance that lies ahead.
And I’m not alone. There are rookie and veteran runners alike, hitting the pavement obsessively piling on the mileage. For some, the result can be the curse of the running life, over-use injuries, a never-ending epidemic among pavement (and trail) pounders everywhere. Or maybe the monotony of mile after mile starts to take away the joy you once experienced at the start of your running journey.
Whether you’re a recreational runner training for first marathons or a veteran runner eager to stay active, it is possible to maximize your body’s potential without running it into the ground. Mixing up your training regime gives you new challenges to overcome and helps to strengthen all those other muscles in your body.
Perhaps even more important is the simple fact of variety. Psychologically, the monotony of a relentless training program in a single sport can be draining. Some runners become such a slave to their running schedule that their favorite sport begins to seem more like work than the fun it's supposed to be.
Cross-training can break things up and add some spice to your routine. Mixing up your routine offers more than just a little new spice to your regimen. This article in Runners World lists eight specific benefits of cross-training that are well worth checking out.
Whether you’re a recreational runner training for first marathons or a veteran runner eager to stay active, it is possible to maximize your body’s potential without running it into the ground. Mixing up your training regime gives you new challenges to overcome and helps to strengthen all those other muscles in your body.
Perhaps even more important is the simple fact of variety. Psychologically, the monotony of a relentless training program in a single sport can be draining. Some runners become such a slave to their running schedule that their favorite sport begins to seem more like work than the fun it's supposed to be.
Cross-training can break things up and add some spice to your routine. Mixing up your routine offers more than just a little new spice to your regimen. This article in Runners World lists eight specific benefits of cross-training that are well worth checking out.
Knowing I had a long week of heavy mileage ahead this week, I took the opportunity to head into the Sierra Nevada and summit Tells Peak. The 10 mile journey still offered my body the mileage I needed, but more importantly, the change of scenery was as refreshing mentally as it was physically. Add in the fact that the journey gave me some altitude training, and there’s no doubt that for my personal training routine, the endeavor was a huge win.
But clearly hiking isn't your only option. As for other alternatives to running, many trainers and coaches recommend strength training or pilates, either after a run or on a cross-training day. Swimming is one of the best cross-training options as it provides cardiovascular benefits without impact. Not a great swimmer? Runners can still jump in the pool and do laps using a kickboard to improve ankle flexibility and still strengthening legs.
In the end, runners are as distinctive as their own thumbprints. So take time to explore what cross-training options are right for you, and what balance works the best for your routine. Be sure to keep your core run training intense and concentrated.
If you you're replacing two or three days of running with cross-training remember that it makes your high intensity sessions all the more important. Mix in speed days as well as hill work and a long run on. Not only will your body benefit, but you might just find yourself knocking out a few new personal bests!
