cross training for advanced runners

[spedrunner]

I feel like running is the only exercise that gives me that great workout/challenging feeling.  I know this is more mental and need to get over it

What do you do on cross training days that pushes you and makes you still feel like you got a great workout?

My problem is that I run at 4 am, my gym does not open until 5, i COULD go to the gym but will be really pushing it to make it to work on time

I am looking for something i can do on my own that is high intensity and could be done in my home or i guess at the gym.

Thanks girls!!

[finallykrisb]

There are lots of at home "Crossfit" style workouts that you can do that are pretty high intensity.

[jordylee]

I use insanity videos on cross-training days.

[gt7301b]

Ice skating

[Wines Not Whines]

I do strength training twice a week and yoga once a week. If you take the right yoga class, it can kick your butt as much as running (mine certainly does).

I'm also trying to get back into swimming, but you'd be at the mercy of pool hours for that.

[InBetweenDays]

I do a kickboxing class 2-3 times a week. We wrap our hands, wear gloves, and actually hit/kick the bag. I've been doing this class on and off for 8 years and I still get sore from it if I take a week off. It's really helped with my core and upper body strength, and I love that it is sort of interval type training since we work out hard for 3 minutes, then take a minute break while he gives us a new combination to work on, then repeat.

[runaways]

Ditto strength training and yoga. I feel like lifting really kicks my ass if I do it right, and yoga generally makes me feel like my body can better handle the constant stress running puts on it.

[clseale]

May 1, 2013 13:50:57 GMT -5 jordylee said:

I use insanity videos on cross-training days.

This is what I was going to suggest. I have a friend who ran competitively from elementary school through college, but can't now due to knee issues she refuses to have surgery to deal with. Anyway, she stays in shape with the Insanity DVDs. 

[sadlebred]

Yeah...umm...cycling. No, that's what I do. I don't cross train.

I do lift some upper body weights and do a core workout once a week.

[shorty20]

P90X

[Susie]

I became a triathlete partly because of the built-in cross training that it provides.  I was looking for cross training from swimming, not running, but same end result.

You can bike at 4am on a trainer, but riding outside and swimming leave you somewhat subject to the hours of daylight and the pool/gym.

[osulori]

I did spin classes and hot yoga before running changed from "faster faster faster" to "slower slower slower and just to stay sane"

[gumi]

Since this seems to be a mental thing for you, I think the idea is to find something that is not equivalent, or not as intense, as running. Your end goal is not to find substitutions, but to find a lifestyle that is maintainable and HEALTHY. Replacing an hour of running with another high intensity workout is not really the appropriate mindset for your situation.

I suggested hot yoga in the other thread and I think, for YOU, that it is a great suggestion. I think the weight training suggestions are great as well. Swimming is good. Maybe like a barre or pilates-style class? A rest day is good. Hiking?

I liked the ice skating suggestion, lol. That is fun.

[gummybear]

I lift 4-5 days a week and do 2 interval classes. There is a HUGE difference in my body from adding these other activities.

[Brit]

So, I'm not even a 'real' runner, let alone an advanced runner...

But, I really enjoyed NROLFW. It was challenging in a way that was different than how running is challenging, but it was still pretty tough and left me feeling like I had worked hard. It requires some equipment, but I was able to do it in my garage.

[breezy8407]

I am far from advanced, but I find great satisfaction in some of the more intense lifting programs I've done. You get the competitive factor by hitting new PR's in your lifts, and often the cardio finishers (i.e. jump rope, intervals, row machine, kettlebells etc) leave me totally spent.

The New Rules of lifting series is good - particularly the Fat Loss programs in the NROL original. Very intense and effective.

(but I will echo what Gumi says about finding something a little less intense)

[chw57]

May 1, 2013 14:35:08 GMT -5 Susie said:

I became a triathlete partly because of the built-in cross training that it provides.  

DITTO!
When I was just running, I did lots of Zuzka light videos (on youtube) or Jillian Michales (6 week 6 pack or Ripped in 30)

[clseale]

Ditto, Gumi. I do hot yoga or bike on my cross training days, but it doesn't give me that intense challenging feeling that running does. For me, that's a good thing. I need that. My body needs that. I doubt that you would find the same satisfaction out of those things ( since they're lower intensity) that I do, but maybe that's part of the problem . Yoga does amazing things for my running.

[trigal]

I also agree with gumi. Find something to balance the intensity of running. While I naturally cross train as a triathlete, I still need my yoga and Pilates because of how they differ from swimming, cycling, and running.

[spedrunner]

May 1, 2013 14:49:22 GMT -5 gumi said:

Since this seems to be a mental thing for you, I think the idea is to find something that is not equivalent, or not as intense, as running. Your end goal is not to find substitutions, but to find a lifestyle that is maintainable and HEALTHY. Replacing an hour of running with another high intensity workout is not really the appropriate mindset for your situation.

I suggested hot yoga in the other thread and I think, for YOU, that it is a great suggestion. I think the weight training suggestions are great as well. Swimming is good. Maybe like a barre or pilates-style class? A rest day is good. Hiking?

I liked the ice skating suggestion, lol. That is fun.

YES YES YES this is what i need to be reminded of, frequently 

I have done yoga in the past and really loved it, i think that will be my best option

[al320]

Since ive been injured ive been doing intervals on the rowing machine st the gym, its shockingly challenging and a great workout. Also, if you have access to a pool, swimming is great.

[Deleted]

I am not advanced exactly either, but after my half this weekend I plan on incorporating strength training. Maybe get a copy of The New Rules of Lifting for women and go from there?