Guest Post: Cross Training ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Cross training ** 🚴‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏃

With a small bit more freedom, but no clear guidelines on resumption of groups or races maybe it is time to think of overall fitness rather than just running.

We are all guilty of concentrating on one aspect of our training, when the body might do better with a variety of exercise types. Long term it maybe in your best interest anyway.

The weather has improved, evenings are longer and we can stray further from home. ☀️🌲

Cycling and swimming are 2 obvious choices that still challenge the body but take a break from pounding the roads. A good long walk has its own benefits as well. 

We also need to consider some strength / core training and also to include some element of stretching and flexibility in our plans.
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Wow .. How do I fit that all in?
Very simple… Plan it
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Don’t run too much. Drop one run and go cycle or swim.
Walk on the in-between days to help recovery but and still getting exercise and fresh air.
Develop a stretching routine of 10-15mins and repeat twice a week
Develop a core and strength routine of 10-15mins and repeat twice a week

There are lots of Videos on You Tube of these routines and minimal equipment is required. 🏋️‍♀️🤸‍♀️
Example
Monday Walk and Strength
Tuesday Run and Stretch
Wednesday Walk
Thursday Run and Stretch
Friday Walk and Strength
Saturday Long run
Sunday Nice easy cycle or Swim
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Feel free to juggle as required. Make it suit your life. If the idea of exercise on all 7 days is beyond your current free time, then adapt. Bring children or a partner on the walk or cycle.
Do the Stretch and Strength with the kids, they might enjoy it.
Get your walk at lunchtime and force yourself out of the house or office. 🚶🚶‍♂️

 

 
The length of each of these sessions can be based on your own current fitness.
Variety is good for mind and body. You will get a longer running career if you are stronger and more flexible. Who knows you might enjoy it.
You can go back concentrating on running when there is races and goals to achieve. 🏆🏅

Stay safe, stay kind and stay sane.
Turn off the TV and the news feeds and get out in the fresh air.
Smile.
Contact a friend.
#pwr   #survive21