Best Running Tips :: Cross-Training for Runners

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Best Running Tips :: Cross-Training for Runners - A Healthy Perspective

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

Is it good to do some 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. So whatever it is, you name it, when it is exercise, it's cross-training.

Cardiovascular cross-training is training that provides a good workout for your cardiac system, your heart, your lungs, etc.

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

Non-cardiovascular cross training is any exercise that is not aimed at providing you with a cardio boost. The emphasis is usually more on strengthening specific muscles.

Examples of non-cardiovascular cross training: weight lifting, core conditioning, pilates, yoga, etc.

Who said cycling isn't great fun ?

Specificity Principle and Cross Training

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

"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?"

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 95% 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 Chance of 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 or four 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.

Take myself as an example. I have found out that I do my best running when I run about four times per week and complement with some cross-training. When I push myself to do more running, I quite often get niggles and pains and need to take some time off running.

So, I am just doing four running workouts max per week and add in cross-training.

Prevent Injuries
It is reasonably well documented that core training like Pilates, yoga, abs exercises etc are beneficial to you. Having a strong core can help prevent injuries.

Many of us get knee problems at some point in our running career. However when you do things like cycling which makes your upper legs stronger, or squats as part of a weight lifting regime, you can really target those upper legs. The extra muscle in your upper legs can help prevent knee injuries!

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!

It Makes You a Faster Runner
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.

This is especially true for beginning runners. When you are unfit, basically everything that helps build up your endurance or strength can have a beneficial effect on your running.

When you are a bit more advanced, then cross-training can still be hugely beneficial. Developing your core will help improve your running technique and running economy which will make you faster.

And one particular study I have seen showed that people who did two core exercise sessions in addition to three running workouts per week, improved their running way more than people doing just three running workouts.

So, yes, cross-training is quite good for you, it:

... helps reduce your change of injuries....

... helps prevent injuries....

... provides variety in your training schedule....

... gives you a leaner physique...

... makes you a faster runner.

So, not too bad at all.... :)

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 and stretching of the muscles around the lower back help in reducing the stress on my back.

And, as said before, 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).

I also like circuit type conditioning. E.g. a series of weightlifting exercises done in rapid succession that gets the heart jumping. For an extra cardio boost these weight exercises can be alternated with jumping rope or 400m treadmill sprints.

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.

Yes, 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.

Cycling

I quite like sitting on the stationary bike 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

Strength

Endurance

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 I got to about 32-33 years of age. 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.

Property Maintenance, Lifting Children, etc …?
I live on a country property. I regularly carry around my chainsaw to chop up trees, or a brushcutter to deal with high grass in spots the mower can't get to.

This is not classified as exercise, but boy, do I feel my muscles after an afternoon of outside work!

And 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 ...;)

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 an important key to mental freshness!