I'd admit I'm still new to this running thing. Yeah, I'm closing in on 2,000 miles for my career, but I've been hitting the pavement for less than two years. I've still got lots to learn.
Along the way, I've learned a lot, and I look forward to learning more.
What's the old saying? "Knowledge is power."
One of the things I've heard from other runners over and over again is how beneficial cross training is. In this 2004 article, Runner's World spells out eight benefits of cross training. And they all seem well and good even though No. 8 (Fit Pregnancy) doesn't really apply to me.
It all seems to make sense, yet when it comes right down to it, I can't seem to get into a routine of regular cross training. I'll do some here and there, even cross train two days in a row before taking a couple weeks off from it.
I'm not exactly sure what my issue with cross training is, but every time I'm doing it all I am thinking is, "Man, why am I not running right now?"
I love to run, which is obvious given the nature of this blog. And, in my mind, if I'm going to be exercising, why can't I be running?
The run is so much fun. I love everything about it.
So why do I need to cross train? Yeah yeah, I know it'll make me a better runner, but how do you fit into your schedule?
I need you help and suggestions: What type of cross training works for you? How often do you mix it in your exercise regiment? How has it enhanced your running?
Your comments are most welcome.
Happy running!
I kinda feel the same as you. The best I ever was as a runner was in my thirties. I never did anything BUT run. Seven days a week, speed work, hill repeats, long and short. I just ran. And I was fast and light. The only really good excuse anybody ever gave me in 46 years of running was...crosstraining helps you maintain form. In a marathon, as you tire, strength will help you maintain posture and avoid injury. Of course, I ran 4 of them without ever lifting a weight. Maybe I would have been more comfy if I had lifted. I'll never know.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience. Really appreciate it.
DeleteThis post explains why I learned to love weights:
ReplyDeletehttp://got2run4me.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/reflections-on-strength/
What got me started was getting injured and realizing that muscles imbalances were problematic and could be prevented with strength training. Also, upper body and core strength does help with running, but aren't built up by running.
I run 3-4 days a week, do weights 2-3 days a week, and do yoga on the other day. I can squeeze in more running by doing 2-3 miles as a warm up to my weights routine.
That's great. I see the benefits, just need to get over the hump, you know.
DeleteI've been running since 2004 and always have had trouble cross training. I can read certain things and be told this and that, but having it become routine is so hard. I have found in the past year that just doing a little bit goes a long way -- what that "little bit" is will vary from person to person. As far as fitting it into your schedule is concerned, just like with running, there's no excuse not to fit it in. You can do push-ups just about anywhere, right?
ReplyDeleteDavid - I really think that's where I'm at. Time is a precious commodity for me as it is. I think I can work some little work in, a push-up here and there.
DeleteLike Got2Run4Me above, I am injured with a nasty overuse type injury and am blaming it solely on a lack of cross training (I WILL not blame it on too much running, lol). All of 2011 I complained about how I needed to cross-training, but never did because running was so much better. As I move forward, I will treat my cross-training like my runs. They will be planned and scheduled and therefore they will definitely get done. Embrace it buddy, it's good for you!
ReplyDeleteI run a lot in the morning and hit the gym after work so it's not a replacement, but an add-on. I like BodyCombat because it gives me the isometric workout with the cardio! Rock it, dude!
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm thinking of adding a non-running workout in the afternoon.
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