Cross Training

So let's talk about cross training.  Can you train for a race by just running?  Yes.  Should you incorporate cross training into your training? Yes.  Do you have to?  No.  Should you? Yes. 

The first several races I did I followed a simple C25K training program.  I ran 3 days week.  Sometimes I might hop on the elliptical here and there, but nothing consistent.  

Last fall when I was training for my second half marathon I consistently made sure I added cross training to my weekly routine.  I did this at the gym on the elliptical on Sunday afternoons for 45 minutes.  I found it to be most beneficial on Sunday afternoons since I do my long runs on Saturdays.  It is so good to get out there and get those legs moving, those muscles loosened up, and stronger.  

 Since I was training throughout the summer months, I would also go for a bike ride.  Do you remember riding your bike as a kid?  You could go for hours and hours and NEVER get tired.  Man, how things have changed.  I also incorporated bike riding into my cross training.  Now, I do not have a fancy road bike.  I have a hybrid bike (a cross between road and mountain.)  It is perfect for me.  I will use it to ride around the neighborhood with my family, and incorporate into training here and there.  

Cross training definitely helped me at the Omaha half marathon last fall, and even more in my training.  My legs were stronger, helping me run faster and farther with less fatigue.  I took 4 minutes off my first half marathon time by adding cross training to my training.  

So, what am I doing this time as I begin my Spring training?  Well, I am trying to take off "that last 5 lbs" that every Mom out there is trying to take off!  I have started doing the Lindsay Brin Pretty Fierce: Weight Loss program.  program. Lindsay Brin  is a very fit mom of three that shows us Moms out there how to get back into shape after having babies!  Her workouts are short, but intense.  I really love this plan I am following currently.  

 It is a toning and weight loss program that includes 8 DVD's and a 60 day calendar to follow.  The cardio workouts include:  Cardio Plyometrics to increase fitness levels.  Tabata training for cardio endurance.  HIIT (high intensity interveral training) for maximum fitness.  Shredding, a complete cardio/weight workout under 30 minutes.  Muscle splits for the upper body and lower body for lean muscles and maximum calorie burn.  Lean tissue burns fat...There are also 5 core workouts with a variety of ways to strengthen your core, and yoga for long, lean muscles.  

I am on week 6 of the program and I love it.  The scale has not moved much but I have lost several inches!  And, my legs are stronger than ever, which in turns adds to my running success.  The next 2 weeks focus on muscle building.  I will do all upper body twice this week, and all lower body twice this week, plus 2 days of cardio videos.  I will still run 3 times this week and next week (so the next 2 weeks will be tough!) Basically I  do not get a day off of training for the next 2 weeks.  But, some days are lighter than others, so I am not worried about over training or injuring myself.  

I will say, it has been tough over the last 5 weeks.  I am usually doing these DVD's after the girls are in bed each night.  Some nights I don't end up getting started until after 8:30, which can be very tough.  But, once I get downstairs and get started I feel great.  However, I am so behind on all my TV shows that have been DVR'd....when will I ever catch up?  I don't know!  

But, exercise takes priority over TV.  I wonder if I even need to catch up on these shows?  Maybe I can just be done with them...

Anyway...how is your Spring training going?  This snow is definitely going to impact my outside runs....treadmill here I come...again!

Happy running and cross training.