Trail running = cross-training for a road runner?

[indygirl02]

About 95% of my running is on roads/paved greenways. My focus is on road racing. But my interest in trail running has been piqued... I still want to focus on road races, but I'm tossing around the idea of running on trails more regularly, once a week or so. (To me, this is a totally different kind of running -- I'm talking relatively hilly single-track trails in the woods, with lots of curves and terrain. My road runs are flat.)

Do you think this could serve as cross training? Is it "different" enough from road running? My trail runs would be at a comfortable pace -- no speedwork. I'm planning to use the FIRST marathon training plan for my next 26.2 (training starts in July), and I wonder if a comfortably-paced trail run might serve as one of the two cross-training days per week, in addition to three days of purposeful road running (intervals, tempo, and long).

Opinions? Thanks!

[ebeth]

I wouldn't call it cross training, but every plan I've seen that calls for cross training days say that you can do cross training OR an easy/recovery run. if that's the case with first, then have at it.

[katinthehat]

We need to have some more conversations about FIRST because after New Orleans, Josh has some extra thoughts to share.

But, having said that, I would alternate weeks of using xc running as xt and weeks of using xc as just an extra, easy run thrown in.

It is a different type of running, but it is still running and FIRST relies heavily on the recovery cross training gives your muscles from running.

[indygirl02]

Thanks for the input. Kat, I was hoping you would answer! I'm interested to hear what else Josh has to say about FIRST. Whenever you have a chance, feel free to email me with his thoughts.

This will be my first go-round with FIRST, as you know... I have some concerns/questions too, after taking a closer look at the training paces and PMP. The PMP based on my actual 10K PR seems reeeeeally fast, so I'm wondering whether I want to pick a less aggressive PMP in order to set myself up for success (hitting training paces AND on race day). So whenever you email me, I'll reply.

[foundmylazybum]

I answered before but I'll elaborate. I don't think trail running is x training. Coming from co, 60% or more of my mileage came from trails but I've also never raced a trail race. Only roads. I think of trail runs as regular runs. X training is like cycling, swimming, aqua jogging, hiking, snowshoeing, etc..running is running unless you are doing a trail ascent or something.