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Cross Training is encouraged
By jerryallison in Run to Eat. Eat to Run.
November 16, 2009

Today was my first cross-training day, since going back into training and my first baby booties, beginner's bootcamp, at the Healthplex. Let me tell you it KICKED my butt. I thought I was in shape and then we started drills, lunges and step-ups. By the end of it my only thought was my thighs and butt are going to KILL me tomorrow. However, it's the good kind of pain. The pain that strengthens muscles and makes me stronger.

I have to say I don't run every day. Maybe 3-4 days a week, occasionally more, but that's rare. And 3-4 days out of the week I cross-train, including cycling, weights, yoga and other 'low' impact exercises.

When I first started running, it was always running and then I started the Runner's World Smart Coach, which had me running 4 days a week. Yet, my miles kept on increasing and so did my stamina. Plus, I started lifting weights at the time and had a great coach, who helped me up to right before my marathon. I found that weights and running go hand-in-hand though studies say differently. I find that doing lunges, squats and leg presses help me to strengthen my legs to help my speed.

Add into that yoga, which I did nearly as much as I was running. And yes, I know yoga is 'girly' (and I'll have to argue that excuse another time). But yoga is great workout for all the tight muscles, especially thighs and hips as a runner.

Cross-training prevents injury, works different muscles and can help someone lose weight. As a runner, I find cross-training very important to my training schedule. Without it, I'd probably still have a broken foot.