Another fitting title: I Hate Cross-Training! I decided to take a more positive approach….I’m trying to like it! According to my training plan, Wednesdays are my cross-training days. I’m like a lost puppy on Wednesdays. I watch longingly as runners pass on the street. I sit and mull over my workout for the day. What do I want to do? What should I do? What fits into my schedule? Running is my love. It’s so convenient. It’s also something I can only do four days per week. This morning, I spent some time thinking about cross-training.
Why should I cross-train?
Cross-training is an important component to a runner’s training plan because it’s not running! Even the most elite runners need a break from running. Cross-training rests your running muscles. It can prevent muscle imbalances and lower a runner’s risk of injury. Some experts and scientists believe cross-training can actually strengthen your running muscles and improve performance. Others believe runner’s need to use cross-training to strengthen the muscles ignored when running. Either way, they agree that most of us should not run everyday.
What are my cross-training options?
The options are wide open! That’s the beauty of cross-training. It gives you the opportunity to explore other activities. Here’s a list of some popular cross-training choices:
- cycling – indoor or outdoor
- swimming
- elliptical
- walking
- stair climbing
- rowing
- cross-country skiing
- strength training/stretching
Which activity should I choose?
I think everyone should choose a cross-training approach that works for them. That’s an easy answer, I know, but it’s the truth. You know how your body feels. I opt to select workouts that will increase my overall fitness without hindering my running.
Example: Strength training is great, but power lifting may leave your body too fatigued to run. Instead, try using lighter weights or decreasing your reps to get an effective workout.
Do not try to equate your cross-training to running – i.e. how many running miles is my bike ride equal to? – because cross-training is not running! Don’t try to compare apples and oranges. Cross-training has a different purpose.
How will I cross-train as I progress in marathon training?
I am going to take a very flexible approach to cross-training. While I stick to my running plans pretty strictly, these will be my “play days.” Sometimes I’ll bike, sometimes I’ll go to Pilates, sometimes I’ll take a long walk. The pressure of marathon training is pretty intense. I like the idea of doing whatever I feel like doing on cross-training days.
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On to today! Yep. It’s Wednesday. This morning I decided a walk would be nice. Poor Lucy been missing her evening walks because it’s just too hot. I remedied the situation by waking up early to take her on a three mile walk. She strutted her stuff!
I was writing my morning post and thinking about cross-training when I realized I had plenty of time to make it to a 9 am class at Siddhani Yoga Studio. This is the local studio that offers a FREE community class on Sundays. I had never gone to another of their other classes. Perfect opportunity! I’m so glad I went! Today’s class was a 75 minute vinyasa taught by Stacy, the owner of the studio. Stacy was fantastic! Dare I say, this was my favorite yoga class…EVER! She made the whole experience so personal. We got really deep into the poses and held them for a long time. It was such a challenge and she saw us through everything. I loved every minute and it flew by! I can’t wait to take one of her classes again.
I guess it wasn’t as hard as I made it out to be. Sometimes my neurosis gets the best of me and I make mountains out of molehills. From here on, I think I’m really going to enjoy my Wednesday workouts. Each one will be different and that’s OK!
How do you mix up your workouts?
What is your favorite cross-training activity?
