By Sue Joyner

It’s a common misconception that in order to become a great runner you have to run all the time. While it is true that you have to run to get faster, it’s also true that more running isn’t always better. Cross training is helpful with injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, cardiovascular health, muscular balance, preventing burnout, and allowing your joints to rest from the high impact of running.

Cross training in its simplest form is anything BUT running. This often looks like cycling, swimming, body weight workouts, exercises with bands, lifting weights or yoga. It's extremely important to incorporate cross training into your weekly routine. This could look like running 3-5 days a week, and having 1-3 days specifically for cross training. The running (or not running) goals you have will dictate the best kind of cross training for you. If you have a goal to run a half marathon in 10 weeks, a great way to incorporate cross training would be to resistance training or any non-weight bearing cardio 1-3x a week.

If you aren’t training for anything specific and run because it serves as free therapy, then get creative with your cross training and try some new ways to exercise! Kickboxing, Ju-Jitzu, spin class, a hip-hop dance class, anything that sparks your interest and helps you break a sweat.

Cross training is a great way to give your body a break from running, enhance your running performance, and keep you interested in leading an active lifestyle. Try committing to 4-8 weeks of cross training a few days a week and see for yourself what it can do!