How To Cross Train Your Way Back From Injury
On the most recent episode of the Running Through It podcast I discuss (among other things) some questions you asked me on Twitter last week. One of those questions being to explain my cross training philosophy, I’ll embed the episode below but my philosophy about cross training is simple if not formulaic.
Cross training to me is a means to an end, we tend to overvalue cross training as a way to train for racing. Now, I’m not saying that cross training isn’t valuable but if you can run without breaking down then that will be your most optimal use of your training time.
Now, cross training is extremely important in 3 sets of runners:
New runners who want to do more
Runners with Chronic Injury Problems
Runners Returning From Injury
There is no better way to increase your aerobic base without risking injury or re-injury than by cross training… cycling, pool running, swimming, elliptical and all of that good stuff. You can simulate your goal mileage or the mileage you would usually run by adding minutes working on the bike or in the pool. In college I had a stress reaction in my foot that sidelined me all winter. However, by cross training (mainly on the bike) I was able to come back in the spring in much better shape than what I was in before I was injured. I was able to run at my pr level by building my base solely through cross training (and cross training more than I would run which I detail that plan in depth on the podcast above).
It will suck and you will hate most of it but it it allows you to enjoy running more when you come back… then it will be totally worth it.
Happy Running,
Justin
