I confess, when I’m marathon training (even as poorly as I trained this year), I drop cross training like it’s a snake. I stop strength training, I don’t hit the gym, I don’t do yoga. Heck, most times I don’t even use my foam roller.
Guess what? I can tell I’ve been doing nothing but running. This morning my core hurt more than just about any other body part, just from doing its job yesterday. Yes, I know that a strong core makes for a stronger runner, but I don’t think I’ve done a plank since school started. Oops.
So, I guess it’s a good time to talk winter cross training here on Tuesdays on the Run. I know what I’ll be doing – what’s on your agenda?
First up is re-acquainting myself with the gym. Last spring I would drop Shoo at school and head straight to a local gym at least two days a week. I’d elliptical or take a spin class and then I’d hit up the weights. I plan to get back in that habit ASAP!
I also try to take the opportunity in the colder months to try out some new workouts. I hit up things like Pure Barre, Orangetheory, and Revolve. There are so many new studios of various kinds near me, so I have no excuse for not trying new things. Don’t worry, I won’t be leaving my beloved running, I’ll just be running shorter and adding other things.
Finally, my other favorite cold weather cross training is more functional fitness.
I love to rake leaves.
And I love to shovel snow. Really. Sometimes I even shovel areas that don’t need shoveling when I run out of sidewalk…
Here’s hoping we get at least a couple snowfalls that allow me to exercise my shoveling muscles!
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I’m looking forward to now living in an area that actually gets enough snow to snowshoe and ride my fat bike on the trails!
Stacey recently posted…Off-Season Plans
I’m always excited for the first snowfall of the year because I like the idea of shoveling snow. Then I get out there and remember how difficult it is! I was sore for days after winter storm Jonas! But at least I know I got a good workout that day!
Michelle @ Lively Chicken recently posted…Marathon Training Week #15 & Knee Issues
This winter I’m definitely going to commit to taking yoga and barre on a regular basis in addition to running. I know I need to work on strengthening my core!
I am in no rush to have to shovel snow, LOL! Now that we have our own house, I’ll have to do it myself…thankfully my boyfriend looks forward to taking care of that!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 13 and October Monthly Goal Recap
You’d be a great neighbor to have in a snow storm. I hate shoveling! I do Pure Barre weekly, and strength training almost daily because if I don’t, no running for me. My ITB pops up and lets me know it’s not happy.
Lesley recently posted…Running Goals
Well I don’t rake leaves nor shovel snow since I live in a condo but I try to take advantage of other classes at the gym now that is is cooler outside and I am not running every day.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…It’s the Wicked!
I’m your partner in crime on the snow shoveling thing. I freaking love it.
Marcia recently posted…You Say Winter Crosstraining, I Say Runbattical
To be honest, we do the same thing in winter an summer, here. If anything, I try to spend more time outside than in, because the weather is more beautiful. We don’t have leaves to rake or snow to shovel. On the plus side, we can finally breathe because the humidity is lower!
Jenn recently posted…tuesdays on the run: winter cross training
I definitely count leaf raking as cross-training, but after that 100+ inches of snow we had a couple of years ago I’d be happy to never shovel snow again!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Weekly Wrap – Training and a 5K
While I can definitely see how shoveling snow is a great workout, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard someone say they enjoyed it. Not going to lie, the thought does go through my head on occasion as to whether just driving over the snow is worth the ice build-up later. Maybe I just need to approach it with a more open mind!
Sean recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Winter Crosstraining
I misssss the east coast and my leaf raking days.
Shall I come visit and we can train together?
CARLA recently posted…3 ways to boost emotional metabolism.
I’m the same about snow, but definitely not about raking. 🙂
Jessica S recently posted…Winter Cross Training
Oh girl. The snow shoveling picture was one I did not need to see. LOL!
Patty recently posted…Splashy Election Thoughts | Monday Memes