Swimming – Have a gym or public pool nearby? Swimming is possibly the most therapeutic treatment you can give your legs. It feels great, burns calories, and is a no-impact exercise. It’s a fun way to improve your cardiovascular health removing strain from your joints. Many runners use deep water running as a means of recovery and strength training.
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I love all of these! I'm lucky because my parents are up the street and they have a pool and an elliptical machine. I really only use that for fun though – love to use it backwards for some reason. I don't think I'd enjoy running nearly as much if I didn't nearly always follow it up with yoga!
So glad you stopped by, KZ. I like how you take advantage of all that's around you. Yoga is something I haven't tried yet, but must! I wish I had access to a pool. I think it's extremely therapeutic for a runner's legs. There really are many ways we can cross-train. I just recently bought a bike and have started making that a twice-a-week thing. I really appreciate your feedback. Don't be a stranger!
These are all great! I wish I had a pool nearby=) I'm a huge yoga fanatic and usually take Anusara classes, which focus on strengthening, stretching (lots of hip openers – incredibly helpful for runners), as well as endurance and discipline (holding longer poses). I've also recently started CrossFit, which has been incredible. I run alone, so doing CrossFit twice a week helps keep me motivated to run the other three. Thanks for the tips!
~Bre
http://bumpandrunchat.com
Thanks for stopping by, Bre. You're absolutely right; CrossFit is another excellent way to train on "off-days" and I have many friends who do it. I appreciate your input and I can't wait to check out your site. Looks like you have a lot of useful tips on there! 🙂
Since my main "sport" is triathlon, I obviously bike and swim. During the triathlon season I run 2 days, bike 2 days, and swim 2 days. Now that it's the off season I am running 2 days, going to spin class 2 days, and going to strength/abs class 1-2 times per week. I am going to drop a spin class and start going to Yoga once per week in December.
I think tri is the way to go. Plenty of "all-around" exercise. I admire your dedication to switching up workouts. I recently got a bike, so now it's time to find a pool… Hah, we'll see. But, I'd love to take on a triathlon one day!
I have to switch up my workouts or I think I'd get burned out and bored. I've also struggled with ITBS and some patellofemoral tracking issues this past year and learned the hard way that running more than 3 days per week causes serious pain and set backs.
If you really want to try a triathlon I'd recommend checking around locally to see if any races offer a "Try a Tri". There's one in Buffalo, NY; 200 yds. swim, 8 mile bike and 2 mile run.
Or you could always do a sprint distance too! I hope you do a triathlon, they're so much fun (and addicting!)