Cross Training Questions
Cross training for a marathon?
I am training for the Houston chevron marathon in January. My training schedule consists of cross training [XT] mondays for 45 minutes. What would be some good ideas for cross training? I have probably done them before, but just not have noticed! Anyways.. any help would be greatly appreciated :]
Public Comments
- a lot depends on how you feel walking can be enough .. especially ifits the day after the long run... try any low impact exercise..... swimming cycling pool running ... low level weights... elliptical trainer... just make sure its low key and fun
- That's a great goal and you'll need to write down your plan and start now for a Fall marathon. It sounds like you have the speed, so your main focus should be the increase of your long run. See the schedule below, but tailor it to your goal pace (MGP). Let's say for example that you want to break 3 hours..that's a 6:53 pace. You'll need to run your long runs at a 7:30-7:50 pace, and do multiple 1-mile intervals at a sub 6:30 pace. It's definitely doable, but you'll want to put the training time in. Best of luck! Here are some marathon tips as you prepare for the Houston Chevron marathon challenge: http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/marathon-tips.html
- For marathoning purposes, cross training is any aerobic exercise other than running. The idea is to provide some stimulus to your heart and lungs without additonal running stress on your legs and joints. Elliptical, cycling, swimming or water running are some possibilities. Alternately, you could spend 45 minutes doing core strengthening exercises (sit ups, crunches, planks) or some yoga. Technically, this isn't cross training and the strength exercises won't directly help your marathon time but may reduce your chance of injury.
