Cross train like an Olympian
CROSS TRAIN LIKE AN OLYMPIAN
Olympic fever is firmly upon us, so we learn a lesson or two from Olympians who cross train their way to success. Our plan this issue combines running, cycling, swimming and strength work Words: Laura Fountain
Most runners rely on cross training as a fallback when they can’t run due to injury, or when they’re easing themselves back into training after they’ve recovered. But using cross training alongside running as a permanent fixture in your training programme could give your fitness a boost while also helping to prevent common overuse injuries.
Triathlete Beth Potter made headlines this year by running a 5K in 14:41, two seconds faster than the world record. As a triathlete, Potter naturally spends time cycling and swimming alongside her running. But with just 30 miles of running in her schedule each week, it shows that higher running mileages aren’t always the way to better race times.
Adding cross training to your plan
A 30-minute easy run can be substituted for 30 minutes of cross training. If you have a heart rate monitor, you can use it to make sure you’re working at a comparable level as you would on an easy run, although you may find that cycling or swimming make it easier to keep your heart rate in a truly easy zone than running does. (Check out our feature on heart rate training on page 42 for the lowdown.)