I have discovered from experience that the constant pounding of running is not also good for your body. Unfortunately, some people’s bodies can’t train six days a week every week. I am one of those people. I did not only find this out once or twice. I have gotten running related stress fractures in my feet three times. (That we know of…) At this point, I have come to the conclusion that cross training is a necessity.

Rather than making a fashion statement with “the boot” again, I have added cross training into my weekly routine. My most commonly visited cross training machine is the elliptical. I have spent hours of workouts on this machine season after season in order to keep the pounding off my bones while still working out. I have also become an avid aqua jogger. Aqua jogging looks like treading water, but really you are mimicking running form without the pounding of actually running. Take my word for it, it gets old after awhile. Although I would choose running over cross training any day, it is necessary to add into my training plan to prevent injury.

So what really does cross training do? Basically by just running, you are only working some muscle groups. Through cross training, you can gain strength by working other areas of the body. According to Run Grl, this can reduced the rick of overusing muscle groups from solely running. Also, she gives the good point that it keeps runners from getting burned out. Week after week of only running not only wears on the body, but it also wears on the mind, so by switching up training plans for a day, this can be avoided. By finding another activity that you find enjoyable and that will also benefit your running fitness, you have the ability to better yourself and lower the risk of injury.

Although I find cross training not as exciting as the trill of a run, I would much rather switch up my training for a day than be out for months because of injury. I think by trying out different types of cross training like spinning, swimming, or rowing, the change of pace will be good for my training. This is good lesson for any athlete to learn because athletes today are at a high risk for overuse injuries. By simply switching up any sport’s training plan once a week this risk can be lowered which in turn leads to better training for all athletes.

Ainsley