Cross Training For Runners

A large proportion of running injuries originate from the same basic source. Doing too much, too soon. For beginners this could be caused by too sudden an increase in mileage, or for the more experienced runner, simply by over-doing it. When following one of our training plans, it is important to remember that the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons you rely on so much to run, need a break occasionally from the continued stress of repeated movement and so by mixing things up you allow the over-used parts of your body to recover and the under utilised parts to catch up.

From experience, it's good to think of cross-training not as a day of missed running, but as a key component of your training plan, just as important as the hill training sessions or high-intensity interval training. Rest days and time spent cross training allows your body to repair stronger than before.

Sometimes when you are in the training groove, it can be hard to take a step back; especially if you feel like you are making progress. Allowing for suitable rest and introducing cross training is imperative though in order to allow your body adequate time to rest and recover between the hard sessions.

Cross training for runners can also provide a great way of allowing you keep fresh mentally and alleviate the possibilities of groundhog-day training.
Even the most forgetful hamster will get a bit down about pedaling the same wheel eventually. It's good to spice things up a bit both mentally and physically.

The other great thing about cross-training is that there are so many options to choose from: swimming, cycling, and walking are all great choices, and if you have access to a gym you should be spoilt for choice such as low-impact gym classes, eliptical machines, rowing and stair machines.

Cross Training for Runners: Cycling/ Spinning

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can help you build cardiovascular endurance and strengthen your leg muscles. It's also an excellent way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air.

Session #1: 20/40
For this you'll need a gear that will allow you to sprint above 95rpm for 20seconds at a time. Each set is ten minutes long. Start with 2-3 and see how you go.

1. Sprint 20 seconds @ 95+rpm, active recovery 40 seconds @ below 95rpm
2. Sprint 20 seconds @ 95+rpm, active recovery 40 seconds @ below 95rpm
3. Sprint 20 seconds @ 95+rpm, active recovery 40 seconds @ below 95rpm
4. Sprint 20 seconds @ 95+rpm, active recovery 40 seconds @ below 95rpm
5. Sprint 20 seconds @ 95+rpm, active recovery 5 minutes 40 seconds @ below 95rpm

Session #2: Watt pain?
Find a flat road gear that you could push for an hour and remember your wattage. This value is hitherto referred to as X.

1. 6 mins @ X wattage and then every 1 min increase your output by 5/10 watts.
2. Recover for 4 mins.
3. 5 mins @X+10 watts, then every minute increase output slightly (e.g., add 5 watts).
4. Recover for 3 mins.
5. 4 mins @X+20 watts, then every minute increase output slightly (e.g., add 5 watts).
6. Recover for 2 mins.
7. 3 mins @X+30 watts, then every min increase output slightly (e.g., add 5 watts).
8. Recover for 2 mins.
9. 2 mins @X+40 watts, then every min increase output slightly (e.g., add 5 watts).
10. Recover 2 mins
11. 1 min all out attack. @ maximum wattage you can muster for as long as possible.

*remember taking a gear usually adds more wattage than increasing your cadence. Take it up a notch if you are struggling to match the required wattage.

Session #2: The Leg Spinner
This one is great for working on your leg speed. It uses a low key so won't leave your legs feeling like lead the day after. Pick a low ish gear: something easy to push but that will allow you to sprint without your wobbly bits wobblying everywhere.

1. 3 minutes @90 rpm
2. 2 minutes @100 rpm
3. 1 minute @110 rpm
4. 30 seconds @115 rpm
5. 15 seconds @120 rpm
6. 15 seconds all out sprint
7. 2 minutes standing, and ride easy to recover
8. 15 seconds all out sprint
9. 15 seconds @120 rpm
10. 30 seconds @115 rpm
11. 1 minute @110 rpm
12. 2 minutes @100 rpm
13. 2 minutes ride easy

Repeat 2 or 3 times.
Finish things off with a 10 minutes cool down @ 80 – 90 rpm

Cross Training for Runners: Swimming

Swimming is a great full-body workout that can improve your cardiovascular fitness, build upper body strength, and enhance your lung capacity. It's also a low-impact activity that can reduce the risk of injury.

Session #1: Pyramid Session

1. Warm-up with a 200m easy swim, 100m leg kick with float.

2. Pyramid: 50m, 100m, 150, 200m, 150m, 100m, 50m. All at easy to moderate effort. Rest 30-60 seconds between each.

3. Cool-down (200m to 300m easy swim)

You could tweak this to use lengths of the pool as well, e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 6, 4, 2.

Session #2: Odd, Even

1. Warm-up with a 300m easy swim, 100m leg kicking.

2. 6 x 100: odd lengths are easy, evens lengths are hard effort. Rest 10 seconds after easy efforts, 20 seconds after hard.

3. Cool-down (200m to 300m easy swim).

Cross Training for Runners: Pilates/ Yoga

Both Pilates and Yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and core strength, all of which are essential for runners. They can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Cross Training for Runners: Rowing

Rowing is a low-impact exercise that can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, build upper body strength, and improve your overall endurance. It's also an excellent way to cross-train for runners who want to reduce the risk of injury.

Session #1: Stead State Rowing

This drill involves rowing at a consistent pace and intensity for a certain duration of time, much like a steady-state run. To do this drill, set the resistance on the rowing machine to a moderate level and row at a comfortable pace for 20-30 minutes. This drill will help improve your cardiovascular endurance and build strength in your upper body and legs.

Session #2: Internal Rowing

Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity exercise with periods of rest or lower intensity exercise. This drill can be helpful for runners who want to improve their speed and endurance. To do this drill, warm up with a few minutes of steady-state rowing, then alternate between 30 seconds of all-out rowing and 30 seconds of rest or lower intensity rowing for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times for a complete workout.

Session #3: Pyramid Rowing

Pyramid training involves gradually increasing and then decreasing the intensity or duration of an exercise. This drill can be a great way to challenge your endurance and build strength. To do this drill, start with a few minutes of steady-state rowing, then increase the intensity or resistance every 2 minutes until you reach a peak intensity. Then, gradually decrease the intensity or resistance every 2 minutes until you return to your starting level. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times for a complete workout.