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Cross-Training for Runners





Cross-training is an often discussed topic in the running community.

  • Is it good to do some cross-training ?


    • Cross-Training
  • Is it beneficial for you to do cross-training ?


  • How much cross-training should you do ?


    • There are as many runners as opinions it seems. In this section the following topics will be covered:



  • Types of cross training for runners

  • Specifity principle

  • Cross training routines I use


    • Types of Cross Training for Runners

    Cross training is simply any kind of exercise which is not running.

    Examples of cardiovascular cross training:
    cycling, pool running, swimming, soccer, walking, rowing, aerobics, spinning.

    Examples of non-cardiovascular cross training:
    weigh lifting, core conditioning, pilates.

    cross-training example cycling
    Who said cycling isn't great fun ?



    Specificity Principle

    In relation to cross-training many runners point out the specificity principle. The specificy principle :

    “every type of training produces specific results”.


    So when you want to become a better runner, then run.

    Want to become a better cyclist, then cycle.

    Don't mix and match, it says. And it can be argued that any training devoted to another activity than running, could better be replaced by running. Cross training can therefore never be better than running. For a runner.

    SIDEBAR

    By the way, the specifity principle also applies to running training itself. Different types of running training, produce different results.

    Every type of run you do (long run, easy run, tempo run, intervals) serves different purposes. It stresses different systems within your body.

    Therefore, when training for a marathon you need a different kind of running training, than when training for an 800 meter race.


    The best, slightly funny argument against cross-training is the following:

    Have you ever seen the Kenyans cross train? No! So, why should we?

    Cross-Training Barbell

    Do you lift weights ?


    Why Do Cross Training Then?

    I agree with the specificity principle. When running training is replaced by cross-training, then you are not doing the maximum to become a better runner.

    Despite of all this I still see a place for cross training in 90% of the runners training schedules.

    There are, after all, not many runners who are able to run 13 times a week. Who are elites or wanna-be-elites.

    For you, cross training can be a fun, healthy activity with a good chance of it paying off in the end as well. I’ll give you a few reasons why cross training is beneficial for you:


  • Reduce injuries

    • Adding another running workout to your running schedule might be too taxing for you. Perhaps you have found out that certain mileage per week or a maximum of three running workouts per week is the maximum you can handle. Cross-training can then be THE possibility for you to exercise more and not fall victim to a nasty injury.


  • Variety in training schedule

    • Doing something else than running can be a true refresher. Of course, we run because we like to do it. But at times it is nice to do something else as well. Simple as that.


  • Leaner physique

    • Next to having great legs, you might want to work on that upper body as well. Might not make you a faster runner, but it will make you look better. And that is important as well!


  • Exercise is exercise

    • Exercise, even if it isn't running, is certainly healthier and more fun than sitting on the couch with a bag of potato chips! And despite of what the opponents say, I still believe that cross-training helps you, at least a bit, because it helps you get fitter.


    cross training swimming

    Or do you fancy a swim ?


    Cross Training Routines I Do

    Before you read ahead, don’t do as I do. Well, better said: take a look at what I do, but don't necessarily copy me. Do whatever you like.

    Running is fun and your training schedule should reflect that. If that means only running for you, fine. If that means cross-training, please do. Below I’ll just show you some specific cross-training exercises I do which might inspire you :


  • Abdominal exercises / weights
    • I have got a weak lower back. Whenever I get sick, whenever I don't sleep enough I immediately feel it in my lower back. It's my weak point for sure.
    Regular abdominal exercises help in reducing the stress on my back.

    And of course, research has shown that improved core strength, leads to better running form and faster running, so good reason to do this type of training. Also note my Pilates link down below (read on).


  • Cycling
    • I quite like sitting on the bike or the hometrainer now and then. There are different routines I do. I usually start with a ten minute warm-up and end with a ten minute cooling-down. In between I do the following:

    • Sprints
      • Do short sprints of 400 metres (as fast as possible), alternated with one or two minutes recovery cycling.

    • Strength
      • To work those upper legs I do the following: I stand on the pedals and cycle very slowly. I usually do a 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1 workout; so first stand on the pedals one minute and cycle slowly, then two minutes, then three and so on. In between I do recoveries of one minute.

    • Endurance
      • Bit like interval running; do intervals of 800 to 1.000 metres at a pace below your fastest effort, but which makes your legs heavy enough to feel it. Do one to two minute recoveries in between.

    Example of a 30-minute interval session
    Cycle 2 minutes at a low resistance (I usually put it at 3 out of 8 on my exercise bike);

    Then do 4 x 20 sec as fast as possible, with 40 sec recovery after each time;

    Turn up resistance to 5 out of 8 and do 4 x 1 min as fast as possible with 2 min recovery after each time;

    Turn up resistance to 8 out of 8, go stand on the pedals and do 2 x 4 min with 2 min recovery after each time.

    The possibilities are endless on the bike!


  • Soccer
    • I have played soccer, outdoors and indoors, pretty much my whole life. Until about three years ago. I started getting too many injuries, especially hamstring injuries which took the fun out of it. I guess I have gotten to an age where explosive sprints are too much to take...!


  • Hiking
    • I love tough mountain and bush walking. Again, it is one of those things that I regularly have to do.


  • Lifting children …?
    • Since I have kids, my arms have definitely gotten stronger. They sure need their share of carrying... Well, if lifting children is no cross-training, then certainly having them must be. I love my kids, more than anything else, but they wear me out every single day of the week. It must be cross-training of the toughest kind ...;)

    And lately I added Pilates to my cross-training regime. An excerpt from my newsletter:
     

    Running Tip of the Month: Pilates


    My wife Liz likes her aerobics classes. She especially likes Pilates. I did not get it. No sweating, no heavy breathing, no fun !
    After only one month of doing Pilates she started feeling muscles in places where she did not even know she had them. The extra toning she achieved in a short time was amazing.

    There are many runners who say that cross-training is not beneficial to you.
    I disagree.
    Your legs are not the only part of your body which can do with a bit of training ! Core conditioning, upper body training, whichever name you give it: it will make you leaner, stronger, better toned and faster.

    So, I am converted now. I have started doing Pilates as well. I don't like aerobics classes. I prefer to do it in the comfort of my own home. To get me started I found this great e-book about Pilates called:
    The Pilates Power System.
    It is written by Shannon Beaty, a professional Pilates instructor.
    She takes you through all aspects of Pilates in three steps:
  • The Beginner's Program

  • The Core Program

  • The Advanced Program

    • I found it especially convenient that the book is full with full-colour photographs to take you through all the moves.
    If you want to get serious about Pilates, download this book and start today:

    http://www.best-running-tips.com/pilates



    Hope this section helped in getting a good view on cross-training. Cross-training is good for you. Some might argue not as good as running.

    But it is better than doing nothing. And I dare to say that for many of us it is better than adding another running workout to our running program.

    Do as much cross-training as you think you need. Not only to be a better runner necessarily.

    After all, variety is a good key to mental freshness!



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