How important is cross-training to marathon and ultra-marathon runners?
How important is cross-training to marathon and ultra-marathon runners?
In this next episode of RUN with Coach Parry, we chat about the importance / relevance of cross-training to the marathon and ultra-marathon runner.
Is it beneficial? How much cross-training should you be doing on your rest days from running in the lead up to the Comrades Marathon and will it help if you are not managing to get to your long runs?
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How important is cross-training for runner?
BRAD
Belinda' asking about cross training and the relevance in marathon training and ultra marathon training, how much cross training should you be doing on your rest days? And will that cross training help if you're not getting to your long runs?
LINDSEY
That is a really good question. So the way that that was framed was great. So the first thing is if cross training, for me, is an essential part of training, specifically for people who don't really come from a running background or people who love running but they're not quite as gifted, so then yes, I feel like it's a crucial part of training. It can make you a much better runner.
So in other words, before adding in extra running on top of the programme, by adding in spinning classes, or swimming, or riding your bicycle, that will go a long way to improving your cardiovascular ability, but very important, it also improves the strength of your muscles. In running terms, doing lots of cycling actually makes you quite a strong uphill runner so I always encourage it.
Is it a substitute for your long runs? I would have to say no. So the thing about training for a race like Comrades is there is strong physical and a strong psychological component. And if you're not getting your long runs in, I feel like psychologically, it makes it really tough to think about how you're going to keep one foot in front of each other for 12 hours.
So I always encourage people, if you're going to replace sessions with cross training, try and let that be your shorter, easier runs and try and get your long runs. Having said that, of course it's going to help, if you're missing your long runs, and you're not getting to some of the other stuff, then obviously cross training is going to be better than doing no training. So it will help but I think you're asking for trouble if you're regularly slipping the long runs.
BRAD
Absolutely. Those long runs are vital.
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