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Competitive Running

Michael P.
Michael P. Sendmail

What do you do for conditioning, other than running?

asked 8 months ago | Report

I've been doing Crossfit for the past 3-4 months and have used that as my alternative conditioning to running. I'm gonna be taking a month off from Crossfit and I'm a bit scared of losing these pace gains that I have been getting the past month or so. What do you do to stay strong other than run? Are there any other activities that I can do, on a 3 day a week basis, to help improve my running?

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17 answers

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  • Natalie M.
    Natalie M. Sendmail

    I hope you're adventurous if you take my suggestions.

    Well, uh, I pole dance (in a legit studio, clothes on, as a combination of dance and gymnastics) as a part of strength training. Men do it, too, sure...I mean, it just sort of depends on your comfort level.

    But seeing as there are no other answers, I thought I'd pitch in.

    I suppose riding horses is an awfully good strength workout (esp. in lower body), too, with some cardio benefit after the first 6-12 months.

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Steve G.
    Steve G. Sendmail

    I read an article the other day about gas mask training. Basically you wear a gas mask to restrict your breathing and strengthen your lungs. The article claimed that it was healthy to do too. The concept seems good but i wonder how many times you would get stopped by police . . .

    You could start biking though! Im not a big runner but I think the key to really being in great shape is to vary all your workouts. Run, bike, swim, weight train.

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Karin De J.
    Karin De J. Sendmail

    No suggestions from me as I am looking for xtraining ideas too. The answer I got when I asked around about this was crossfit (but you are already doing that, and I looked into it but holy crap it's expensive!) and power yoga. Other than that, spinning for your leg strength and if you are in any way homebound, there are core dvd's from the TriggerPoint makers that seem to be really good.

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Frank L.
    Frank L. Sendmail

    Plyometrics could help, but the longer the race, the less benefit plyometrics or crossfit will have on your time. I know you're looking for an alternative to running, but a 4th day of running would be the best idea. If a 4th day of running isn't an option, you could try biking or the elliptical. Good luck!

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Becky
    Becky Sendmail

    If you happen to belong to a gym, I've found that spin class does wonders for my cardio.

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Becky C.
    Becky C. Sendmail

    Since my bike is still in need of a tune-up and a new inner tube, I've been inline skating a couple of days a week. It's great cardio and really works your glutes and quads. I also do yoga, kickbox, and strength train.

    answered 8 months ago |Report

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  • Molly F.
    Molly F. Sendmail

    I do triathlon for half the year:)

    answered 7 months ago |Report

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  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    why- swim and bike, of course.

    answered 7 months ago |Report

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  • Marc M.
    Marc M. Sendmail

    I've done two rounds of P90X. I took it easy the first time and fairly serious last winter. I took off the first two months of it from running and was just as fast or faster when I started running again. The plyometrics is tough but awesome. Plus if you are stronger and more fit overall you should be a faster runner.

    answered 7 months ago |Report

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  • Michael G.
    Michael G. Sendmail

    I was a slave to the gym elliptical before starting running last Spring and go back to it on my cross days, mixed with some bike and walking.

    answered 7 months ago |Report

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  • Jackie H.
    Jackie H. Sendmail

    I swim, do kickboxing classes, and strength training (free weights). I think my pace has improved significantly as a result. The only thing I've heard that isn't good for a runner is the eliptical...it relies too much on momentum to give you a good workout. Good luck!

    answered 6 months ago |Report

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  • Kelly R.
    Kelly R. Sendmail

    I do biking and martial arts. It is critical to get lateral movement in to protect your muscles/balance out.

    answered 6 months ago |Report

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  • Su N.
    Su N. Sendmail

    I start up on the bike to cross train. That and my very physical job helps too.

    answered 6 months ago |Report

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  • Trey B.
    Trey B. Sendmail

    Michael P.,

    Try adding any plyometrics, build a good base, and then go minimal:
    http://www.uphillrunning.com/2011/10/inov-8-evoskin-shoe-review.html#.TuOKlLIk67s

    Use it as a tool, though. Not an answer.

    answered 6 months ago |Report

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  • Berae
    Berae Sendmail

    I also rockclimb. It doesn't really help with running but it uses mostly different muscles for those rest days.

    answered 6 months ago |Report

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  • Piet H.
    Piet H. Sendmail

    I play ice hockey at least twice a week year round.

    I haven't had an ankle sprain in well over 7 years. I have hit tree roots that would have torn a normal humans leg off during train runs. I don't have any issues running on snow and ice. So I think the hockey helps with strengthening my stabilizer muscles in my legs. I don't really think it helps with endurance/speed aspects of running, however.

    answered 5 months ago |Report

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  • John Leopoldo S.
    John Leopoldo S. Sendmail

    Kickboxing is a great cross training/conditioning for my running. Plus one day of Plyometrics has always been key to my speed development. I do one month on and one month off of including a once a week workout. Good Luck!

    answered 5 months ago |Report

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