What is the purpose of cross training?

[sweetptater]

I feel like this should be pretty straightforward, but I have no idea. All of the running training programs I see incorporate cross training. While I was training for my half, I'd use the cross training days either as rest or for strength training, since I usually couldn't get to the gym to use other cardio machines. I'm not sure if the point is to do some sort of cardio for endurance on those days or it it's just to give your body a break from running. Thoughts? 

[shorewife]

Cross training for running programs is usually just to give your body a break from running since they all tend to suggest some other cardio instead of running. I actually feel that lifting and/or yoga is bettr cross training for running because I think it helps prevent injury.

[thom]

I think this can differ depending on the person & your goals.

Ultimately cross training should help you get a workout and work different muscles while giving your body a break from the repetitive pounding of running.

If you are injury prone you might need to alternate hard cardio cross training workouts with running to keep your lungs/ heart in shape but not get injured. If your body does fine with heavier running then cross training could be easy cardio just to give some variety.

Strength and core workouts or classes like yoga, etc are good too. I think of these as cross training, but they aren't typically cardio unless you're doing HIIT or a faster moving class. Depending on the training plan's definition these might qualify as cross training or just other activities.

I wouldn't worry too much about the technical term. I think your cross training should be some cardio if you're only running 2-3 times per week, but if you run 3-5 days then cross training could be weights, core, yoga, or whatever you like.
Sorry that got so long!

[labbie]

I'm pretty sure it means cardio other than running, but personally I use cross training days for anything non-running related. Which usually means strength training and/or yoga. I find that those two things really help my running more than additional cardio, but everyone is different.

[sweetptater]

Okay, so I think I'm doing it right then! Like I said, I was using it as a break from my running and to fit some weights in.

[sassystace]

I think the goal of cross training is to use and strengthen muscles other than the ones you use for running which helps prevents injury and overuse of the "running muscles".