Cross Training Questions
Out Of Season Cross Country Training?
I am a corss country runner, which is during the fall. The season had ended, since winter is getting gloser, and the temperature is falling. I hate the cold, so i need to think of some way to stay in shape, without being outside for long periods of time, and I think treadmills are boring. Could i stay in shape if I went on alot of hard bikerides, and worked my calves alot with a stepper? If i did that daily, could !stay in shape for next years season?
Public Comments
- Tough call. There is no wrong answer. You are wise to look at cross-training, and cutting back mileage. Spend some time on your core strength and flexibility in the gym. Work on strengthening your midsection and lower back. Abs and hip flexors are the unsung heroes of distance runners. Cycling, swimming (presumably indoors), and anything else to get in your cardio is good. Really, given the holidays, anything you will do regularly is fine. You can stay in shape with any activity of this type. Don't obsess with staying in your peak form over the winter. Your body needs rest and time to rebuild. If you can tolerate pilates or yoga consistently, a serious commitment to flexibility will yield some major improvements next season, and keep you injury free. You might look at an indoor trainer for your bike. They are pretty reasonable, and you can ride in your livingroom, as hard as you want. They run anwhere from $50 on up...
