What To Do

Categories

Social Bookmarks

Feeds

Runner's Training Tips: Cross training

Bottom of Page

1 to 10 of 10

  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    coldshower

    Hello everyone,

    I currently run 3 days per week (20-25 miles total weekly), and like to strength train 1-2 times per week.  I have tried yoga, but become easily bored with it.  I am not very good at it either, so perhaps that is my excuse not to pursue it!  I am wondering what some of you do in between running days to cross train.  I would like to continue to increase my distance running, so I am looking for exercises to complement that goal.  Any suggestions?

    Thanks! 

     

    • CommentAuthorHero!!eglefino
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    eglefino

    I like ot mix it up with other activities that help with my endurance but give my legs a break from pounding the pavement. I am just getting back into running and I like swimming to loosen up, or a bike ride. The swimming gets the upper body working so I don't usually worry about strength training. And the biking keeps the legs strong without so much impact.

    I started these activities as a way to allow my legs to heal from the pounding they get when I try to get them to carry me like they did several years ago when I was not as heavy. I think I will try a triathlon or two this summer.

    I am probably pretty wierd but I like to play softball and skateboard too. Both decent alternatives to having a complete day off. Sometimes I mix some cross-training in as a second workout. For example I like to swim on my lunch break to loosen up if I did a hard run or bike that morning. Sometimes when I'm real crazy I try to get a run, bike, and swim all in the same day (Morning noon and evening). The trouble with that is it make the run the next day pretty tough.

     Hope this helps.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    coldshower

    Not wierd at all to like skateboarding.  I would love to attempt rollerblading, but would probably kill myself,as I am not very coordinated.  I do enjoy spin classes, so perhaps I will add that to my weekly rotation.  On occassion, I will strength train and run on the same day.  It is definitely a challenge to do them both.  Kudos to you for being able to run, bike and swim all in one day.  You should have no problems with a triathlon if you are already in that mode!

    Thanks! 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberpsychick7
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    psychick7

    When I'm not running my preferred alternatives are swimming, mixed martial arts, hiking, and rock climbing.  My plan right now has me running twice weekly and I usually take martial arts twice weekly, swim twice weekly, and hike on the weekends.  I rock climb when the schedule allows it. 

     All in all it is a well rounded workout, allowing me to work the different muscles in my legs, get some arm work in, and also work on my cardio-pulminary recovery systems.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberspudsmac12
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2008
     
    spudsmac12
    Currently my cross training involves bike riding, roller blading and rock climbing. All non impact, the hardest issue is fitting the time to run, work and cross train. I started rock climbing very recently and love it! I swim when I get the chance over the weekends but I just can't seem to work up joining a gym with a pool, the weights are always to tempting for me to pass them by.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2008
     
    coldshower

    spudsmac-Any tips on learning how to rollerblade?  I haven't a clue on where to begin...I am scared.  I think it would be a nice change from the running and weight lifting.

    Thanks everyone for the feedback! 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberspudsmac12
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    spudsmac12
    Sure- I used to ice skate so I guess I kinda knew what to do when I started. First things first, you need to buy some skates. Look for something that is comfortable, that is your number one priority, your second priority is ankle support, you should not be able to roll your ankle and it should feel like it is held into place, some movement to point your toes is good, . If you are completely new to the notion of skating then I would make sure that you buy all the protection, helmet, knee pads and gloves. Find someplace flat with no rocks or gravel, little gravel rocks are very difficult to deal with. Parking lots and drive ways tend to be a good start. As a beginner look for flat terrain after you get out of your driveway/parking lot. And most importantly, Have FUN!
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberPhinny
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    Phinny
    I realize Im not entirely normal but why do anything but run and a couple of pushes and sits.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberpsychick7
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    psychick7

    Phinny -

    My main reason for doing the other activities is because I enjoy them.  They also provide me with a good workout when my knees need a rest between runs.

     In college I was definitely a run/push/sit girl though.Smile

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLostsheep
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    Lostsheep

    I generally swim 2x week, ride 2x week, and run 2x week. That gives me 6 days, but also allows the runs to be fresh, keeps the heart going, provides some upper body workouts, and allows me to keep the muscles working.

    I thoroughly enjoy it. I'm working on modifying my workouts to allow for me to run 3 days/week and alternate the swimming/biking to every other week. I just don't want to lose the fitness level I'm at. I'm going to see what happens though.

    Xtraining is really a good alternative at keeping the heart going, getting your exercies in, and helps avoid the injury bug!

1 to 10 of 10

  1.