Best cross training during marathon training?

So I have picked out my first full marathon!! I am excited and nervous : ) My training starts July 16th, I will be following Hal Higdon's Novice 2 program. But the running is 4 days so I am wondering what would be good cross training the other 2 days (1 day of rest). I will probably lift weights and maybe bike 1 day and swim the other? Just looking for balance as I don't want to get burned out on running. I have at least 1 and possible 2 sprint triathlons toward the beginning of the training program so I will still be focusing on biking/swimming too until then. But toward the end I want to squeeze in a little variety too. Any advice from those that have been there?

Replies

  • LindsayE007
    LindsayE007 Posts: 212 Member
    Bump??
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I've never done a full marathon. I'm about to do my 2nd half... I think biking and swimming are great, as well as lots of core/stability training. Do a little looking into the weights though... I'm hearing a lot of people saying they can't get enough rest for lifting and enough recovery for running when they try and do both simultaneously.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    I've never done a full marathon. I'm about to do my 2nd half... I think biking and swimming are great, as well as lots of core/stability training. Do a little looking into the weights though... I'm hearing a lot of people saying they can't get enough rest for lifting and enough recovery for running when they try and do both simultaneously.

    I lift heavy 1 day a week and do 30 DS another day and run 50-60 miles.

    You just need to schedule it to make sure it doesn't interfere with your quailty days