Do you want to be a healthy, balanced runner and reduce your chance of injury while training for a marathon? Focused cross-training is what you need to accomplish these goals. Here are a few rules to keep in mind.
Cross-training should not be a substitute for a scheduled run unless you are injured. I know it is easy to fudge on your marathon training but what would your mother think?
Don't let your cross-training wear you out and decrease the quality of your running. Watch for signs of wear out: increased resting heart rate, fatigue, frequent illness, heavy legs, mental burnout. Did I mention strangling your husband?
Have a plan. Don't just go to the gym and meander around.
Add cross-training gradually if you are not accustomed to the activity. For example, if you have never lifted weights don't try to be the Incredible Hulk.
Use appropriate cross-training activities that will benefit your running. Golf, bowling, and billiards are fun but not beneficial to marathon training. Your cross-training should have a similar duration and intensity to your running.
Don't put more stress on injured areas. For example, if you have sore knees stay away from jarring sports like basketball, tennis, and aerobics. Cage fighting might also be included here.
Know when to stop. Cross-training should compliment your running not overshadow it.
Enjoy the benefits! If your cross-training becomes drudgery then try something new. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy rejuvenation.
Cross training has had a beneficial impact on my running. I would encourage you to focus on stretching after every run, core training, and weight training. By implementing these activities you will have a higher chance of crossing the marathon finish line strong and healthy.
Happy Running!
Author Resource:-
Angie Spencer is an avid marathoner who ran over 800 miles in 2009. She is also the host of a popular podcast and blog on Marathon Training.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://best-running-articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
