Runners...what do you do as Cross Training?

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RUNN3Rmom
RUNN3Rmom Posts: 441
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Title says it all. I am training for a marathon and was curious what other runners do to cross train. What do you find works the best? Or do you change it up weekly?

Replies

  • seekingstrengthX2
    seekingstrengthX2 Posts: 771
    Lots of strength training, tons of core work, elliptical and/or bike.
  • stylistchik
    stylistchik Posts: 1,436 Member
    Insanity. Did wonders for my speed.
  • lauleipop
    lauleipop Posts: 260 Member
    I've added in strength training. Core work is essential, but don't discount upper body, too.

    I also walk, hike, and swim, but with the intention of being active, as opposed to really training. Several of my running friends swear by the benefits of cycling. I'm currently working towards getting a bike for the fall.
  • LastMinuteMama
    LastMinuteMama Posts: 590 Member
    Not that I've been doing much lately (my work schedule is upsidedown for the summer) but when I cross-train it's typically boot camp class~lots of body weight training. It really improved my running. For a fun cardio workout, I'll hit a Zumba class or go rollerblading. I know Zumba seems silly, but it's a good agility workout.
  • RUNN3Rmom
    RUNN3Rmom Posts: 441
    Thank you all so far. I have Insanity, access to the gym, and a pool so I should be all set :) I was a little concerned with doing too much while training but I think a couple hours a week of something other than running will be PLENTY helpful!

    Thanks for the quick replies!
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I do everything. I ride my bike to/from the gym, elliptical and any other cardio machine, heavy lifting, walking, and I plan to add swimming at some point, with 8-10 mile runs every 3-4 days. My schedule is Day 1-Run, Day-2 Lift/cross train, Day-3 rest, repeat.

    ETA and flexibility is something I need to work more on, could go anywhere convenient in my schedule. I just always delay doing it, saying I can do it later, and then forget to actually do it.
  • kylTKe
    kylTKe Posts: 146 Member
    I do a lot of other things and I can only remember ever seeing running improvement from cross training when I was a complete novice. Cross training is a nice way to spend a recovery day. However, I would not substitute a running workout with something else and expect to improve my running. To reiterate, speaking strictly from a running perspective I don't find cross training to yield much benefit besides getting my legs warm on a rest day.

    ETA: To answer the actual question. Currently: lifting, jiu jitsu, & circuit training. In the past I've spent long time periods swimming and cycling (I don't have access to a nice pool right now and I don't have time to cycle).
  • trimom10
    trimom10 Posts: 388 Member
    As you might surmise from my usename, I swim and bike. But I also do weights, elliptical, Zumba, yoga, and a few fitness videos. I love variety to keep it interesting.
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    Swimming, weights, and lots n lots of biking. Gotta stay busy, gotta keep myself guessing. I get bored easily.

    What marathon are you training for, and when is it?
  • geordiegirl27
    geordiegirl27 Posts: 307 Member
    I am shockingly bad at cross training however, I have now got a bike and try to cycle and plan to start swimming.

    I've also started doing kettle bells. I am also concious that since I stopped my gym membership I no longer do the core work.

    good luck with the marathon training
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    I am currently training for a half and my workout week looks like this: Monday Upper body/abs/core, Tuesday Run, Wednesday Lower body/abs/core, Thursday Run, Friday Upper body/abs/core, Saturday Long Run, Sunday stretch or yoga or rest day.
  • katysmelly
    katysmelly Posts: 380 Member
    Walking - specifically hiking and climbing mountains when I can.

    My knees were feeling sort of iffy - sore and weak coming down stairs - but when I climbed a mountain, I noticed they felt better the next day. So, I try to do things that strengthen my quads - even doing some squats and lunges around the house. I wish I had the time to climb a mountain once a week - that's the best workout there is!
  • geordiegirl27
    geordiegirl27 Posts: 307 Member
    Walking - specifically hiking and climbing mountains when I can.

    My knees were feeling sort of iffy - sore and weak coming down stairs - but when I climbed a mountain, I noticed they felt better the next day. So, I try to do things that strengthen my quads - even doing some squats and lunges around the house. I wish I had the time to climb a mountain once a week - that's the best workout there is!

    thats a very good point I keep being told by my physio to improve the strength in my quads to prevent the injuries I am prone too. The kettle bells DVD I'm doing works your legs really well
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