Cross training for half marathon

Sweettart

In a few weeks I will start training for a half marathon. Once a week it says to cross train. What is the best exercise for cross training?

SonicDeathMonkey80

Cycling, swimming, etc. Lots of folks do cycling - I do road and mountain, mostly for fun and to break up monotony while maintaining running fitness.

twinmom_112002

I do Pilates or barre3. Lots of core work.

LaraeTX

bump for future reference.

TheBrolympus

Try to do something that is lower impact than the running and uses a different set of muscles. Cycling and swimming are great. Some people do Yoga and Core work and some people do strength training. Mix it up, find something you like.

ThickMcRunFast

Yes to those who said something that works different muscle groups. I prefer strength training to more cardio. Runners often have week glutes, so I work on those (by doing light weight squats, hip thrusters, glute bridges, and lunges), as well as planks, pushups and other core work.

asdelmonte

I cycle on cross training days. As a matter of fact, after suffering a stress fracture in my foot after my 1st half marathon, I only run 3 days a week. I cycle another 2-3 and I lift 2-3.

EEfromJersey

I do cycling, swimming & some strength with weights.

ItsMeGee3

I do Zumba, Spin Class and strength train on a regular basis. Along with running.

usmcj80

I prefer strength training and swimming. I think anything that would help build your core and work different muscles than are normally worked on your runs will do you good. If nothing else use that day to try new stuff and keep interested in fitness. Who knows you might find something else you like.

_Terrapin_

Something which does not involve your calf muscles. Best of luck.

kristinegift

I prefer cycling as cross-training, but mostly because I refuse to buy a swimsuit :P I also felt that cycling helped strengthen different muscle groups, and that made me stronger/faster by race time.