Do you run, run, run or cross-train?
My thoughts on how cross-training helps running….
Firstly, what is cross-training? Doing other exercise which isn’t running….the list is endless; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates, climbing, strength work, walking, team sports.
Why do I know so much about cross training?!!
Short story: During 2021 I spent over 10 weeks on crutches/non weight-bearing following two separate leg related issues including an operation and a stress fracture in my hip!
My third run in 6 months…. Saturday 29 January – California Country parkrun – I ran “naked” (without a watch), finished 1st lady/2nd overall (19:38) and set a new VW35 – 39 Age group record……
HOW??
I cross train….
A combination of swimming (3 times a week – mixture of endurance and intervals), Zwift cycling on the indoor turbo (3-4/a week), weekly yoga with Move Eat Yoga, commuting on my bike to/from First Days Children’s Charity work twice a week (8 mile round trip) and specific strength training that has focused on my weaknesses.
Not to forget 2 – 3 sessions a week of Elite Conditioning Shred and Lift Lean sessions!
I do a lot of this with friends either in person or virtually (chatting on Facebook messenger) to help keep the motivation and keep it fun!!
How did I know what my weaknesses were and how have I worked on them?
Simple answer – by persisting and listening to Andy Cittern-Jones of Resolve2Run . He has worked tirelessly to help me fix some fundamental technique issues. He is always thinking, even when I’m not at my weekly session with him about other exercises/ways of describing what I should be focusing on. Even when I go into a session grumpy as I feel like I’m perpetually dealing with a niggle – he is positive and we work on what I can do to make me stronger and more robust!
It’s not all just run, run, run for me…..it’s about cross training!
