Discussion: Cross Training

I would credit cross training with my fairly low rate of injury across my running life. But maybe I just also don't do enough training...

everytime I see AIslinn write 'I dont do enough training' I squirm a little

Which high level athletes do you know that cross train when they’re not injured other than triathletes and Scandis who physically can’t go out and run in the winter. It’s just about finding a balance in your training, not over doing things and remaining consistent. Serious part over with, stop being a melt :P

The triathletes and Scandis are often really good runners though too! Eilish Mcolgan only runs 75-80kpw but would still beat me over 5 or 10. I get what you're saying, I just thought that low impact aerobic work would realistically still yield the same benefits as easy runs but with a reduced chance of injury? Consistency is undoibtably key, but especially with more intense work coming up building speed/power for the JK/British and the big relays, it wouldn't hurt to be a bit safer. Am definitely being a bit melty though

Emma Snowsill ran a 33 off the bike. I'd kill to run that!

i think if you look you would find loads of examples of great running performances off the back of a lot of alternative training (most probably forced by injury but does that matter?) ... If you can't do all the hard sessions in your programme without taking big risks the most effective training you can do is to lessen the impact while still working the lungs hard (also possible e.g. running on softer surfaces but easier said than done where you are, i imagine!)

I agree, I think there are plenty of examples of people running really well off of cross training. Even though it isn't maybe directly relevant, things like the aerobic/cardiovascular benefits are the same. I think whilst I'm here it wouldn't be the worst thing to save the body from a proper pounding. I'm trying to run as much as I can on trails/grass but as you say Cat it's tough when the dirt's as hard as the tarmac!

Sure there are examples, but the majority (reference needed, happy to be wrong!) of proper top long distance runners run many many kms and only do a small proportion of cross training to supplement or if injured. So what your saying makes sense given you appear to have some injury proneness but the ideal (I think) is to maximise the amount of running you can do in a week first, within reason and without taking undue injury risks, and then and only then add in cross training. Maybe that’s what you’re saying anyway. If and when you are strong/lucky enough to be near injury free then you may be able to reduce the cross training to zero.

Yeah you're absolutely right Craney, the trend is undoibtably big miles for a lot of years supplemented with x training. That is sort of more what I was angling towards, not completely switching just say a tough patch of training with a lot of sessions maybe dropping the odd easy run for a spin. I think we're all saying a similar thing that it's about recognising your own load and finding a way to execute that consistently. Just thought it was interesting to get people's views on it so thanks for contributing!

Two articleshere worth a look https://www.active.com/cycling/articles/the-best-c...

Be aware you have the right ticket when hopping on the mileage train - a run of weeks at 90% is better than one at 105% two at 60% etc. Don't just go chasing numbers (very easy to do!) But you know this already.

Cheers Roch, interesting read. You're right Barbie, train If has to be individual and consistent, Will definitely be making a more conscious effort to make sure it is