Bailing on Cross Training

I’ve read it a million times – you can’t just run, you have to cross train too.  I know this, but for some reason I keep skipping it.  I was actually thinking about it a few nights ago, then woke up the next morning to a twitter feed full (okay, not full, but there were a few!) of articles stressing how important cross training is for runners.

I fully admit, I have a hard time spending time and energy cross training when I know I can get a much bigger calorie burn by running.  It’s also hard because almost all of the ideas I can come up with for activities that I’ll enjoy require me to be home.  Have you ever tried to work out with a 4-year-old and 1-year-old around?  It’s not easy!  I tried locking myself in a room, thinking if they can’t see me then they won’t know I’m there.  Wrong!  Mackenzie kept banging on the door yelling “Mama!!” while Braden was telling her to be quiet and was yelling some other nonsense at me that I couldn’t understand.  It’s so much easier to focus on my workout when I’m out of the house, which is a big part of why running works so well for me.  I’m full of excuses, aren’t I?

So, I got excited when I saw Heather post her “Cross Train or Remain the Same” challenge.  You can get all of the details on her site, but the basic idea is that runners need to cross train, so she is challenging us to cross train twice a week in the month of April.

Here’s my issue though – what should I do?  I’m a big fan of yoga and have been doing Jillian Micheals Yoga Meltdown DVD sporadically, but I feel like I should incorporate something else for some variety.   Maybe more strength training?

I have a few other Jillian DVD’s (30 Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones) but unless I get up before the kids, they’re going to be hard to do at home.  I may just have to suck it up and get up before Mackenzie’s 5:30 wake up call to get it done.  I have a bike but I’m thinking a beach cruiser isn’t exactly going to work for this, or will it?  The 5K training plan I’m on right now calls for a fun cross training workout every few weeks, and I was thinking that a bike ride with the kids would fill that nicely.

So what do you think?  What are your favorite ways to cross train?  Is there something else that I’m not thinking of?

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8 thoughts on “Bailing on Cross Training”

  1. It’s hard to fit in cross training sometimes! I really like Jillian Michael’s 12 Week Body Revolution. The workouts are challenging (the 1st month, not so much but you can make it harder by adding more weights) and they only last about 30 minutes. Plus, I like the fact that your workout changes every 2 weeks so you don’t get bored. I don’t do her cardio though–I just run! I swear that is what kept me injury free during my training for PHM!

    1. I’ve heard some really great things about that program, the price tag kind of scared me away though! I was used to picking up her DVD’s for 7 or 8 bucks! I’ll have to look into that one more, thanks for the suggestion!

      1. It is kind of expensive. But, you are getting 15 DVDs (12 are workouts Week 1-12 and 3 cardio) if that softens the blow any! 😉

  2. I do yoga and bodypump (for strength training). I don’t see why a beach cruiser wouldn’t count. You have to work harder w/o the gears, no?
    Lori recently posted…Sun protective gearMy Profile

    1. I’m not really sure, I have 25 extra pounds on the bike with me (aka Mackenzie) so that should count for something too, right? :)

      I’ve heard a lot about body pump, I wonder if the Y does it..

  3. The only way I guarantee I get my XT in is if I go to a class. I take UltraBarre, it’s a combo of ballet barre exercises and Pilates. It’s an amazing workout and I definitely feel stronger in my runs when I do it. Core workouts definitely make a difference in my running posture. I also want to try spin, but I’m afraid of “burning out” my legs the night before I have a run. I wish I could swim better, because that seems to be the ultimate XT! And I think you need road bike to replace the beach cruiser. Then you could train for dualathalons!
    FiddleDeeAshley recently posted…Run for the Yellow Ribbons Virtual 5kMy Profile

    1. I’ve heard wonderful things about UltraBarre, but the closest one to me is 45-minutes away :( My local gym has a lot of classes that my friends love, but I seem to do better with workouts I can do at home while the little ones are sleeping.

      I know I definitely need to start doing some type of core workout, I’ve only been running and while it’s great, I know it’s not enough. I learned the hard way this past week that running on tired legs is no good at all.

      Dualathons made me laugh, I don’t know how people do that, maybe my toosh is just too big, but those itty-bitty bike seats kill me!! I like my big, padded seat! :)

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