X Training

Cross training is probably one of the most overlooked activity for runners.  In large part, I think, it's because once you've caught the running bug, that's pretty much all you want to do.  The problem with only running is that you only work out one muscle group and you become a one-dimensional athlete.

I have begun to wonder if my lack of cross-training is the reason why I have such cramping difficulties in marathons.  For my last marathon, I only trained by running 6 days a week, with varying intensities and workouts.  I logged the appropriate number of miles and yet still had to fight intense cramps in my quads for the last 4 miles.

I never really have taken cross-training as seriously as I think I should have.  Don't get me wrong, I've done some cross-training, but it never really excited me as much as running.  After the marathon in March, I started to focus on strengthening my quads with weight training, but really felt as though I needed something else after a while.  So, finally, after 20 years, I decided it was time for a new bike.

Today, I did my second 24 mile ride.  What's nice about riding the bike as cross-training is that it is still a good aerobic workout and you get to do it outside.  It also works different parts of your leg muscles, which could be handy when your quads need to recruit them for added strength.  Also, the low impact aspect gives your joints a chance to recover from the pounding of running while still getting a great workout.

The only drawback is that if you want to get the same caloric burn from biking as running, you have to do it longer.  You have to bike about four times as long as you run to get the same workout.  For example, if I want the same workout as a 5 mile run, I would have to bike about 20 miles.  In fact, the biking equivalent of a marathon is a century (100 miles), to a marathon's 26.2 miles.  This fact I started thinking about on today's ride, which made me start thinking.

I think I'd like to try a century someday.  I already run marathons, so I'm in shape.  I have the ability and determination to train, and I have the roads on which I could train.  There would be timing logistics I'd have to work through and I would need a training plan, but it might be worth the effort.

I guess the other benefit of finding a cross-training workout that excites you as much as running does is that you might start wanting to join-in on the other side's fun.  So, I guess you can say that riding a century is a new goal of mine, I don't know when or where, but I know it will be done.

The final thing I will say about cross training is that I have always believed that changing your workout routine every six weeks is essential.  That might not mean finding something different to do, but to increase your intensity.  Finding a good variety of cross-training routines can help you either jump around or to change your workout goals and training plans seamlessly every six weeks. This only aids in weight loss and muscle growth as your body doesn't get the chance to find an equilibrium.  

I do enjoy biking and hope that this sticks for a good while.  And I hope to find a century in the near future that I can train for and complete.  Any suggestions would be nice.

Thanks for reading!