My Favourite Crossing Training Exercises and a Race Announcement

It’s that frantic moment in the week where we all realize we are half way through.

Let’s not capitalize on that.

What I do want to talk about is cross training because I don’t think we discuss it enough unless we are injured. I think most people can agree that I was perhaps one of the most injury prone runners up until about a year ago where I made a bunch of changes, including my approach to training. Yes – I play hard, but I also play smart. I do a lot of cross training and falling into a new sport of adventure racing has been huge for me.

I have taken a great delight in sports that I would never have tried before such as orienteering, mountain biking, paddling, cross country skiing, climbing and the list goes on. Each sport builds a new resilience and skill set for me and has allowed me to compete in my running races as a healthier athlete. I feel strong and able to tackle my ever increasing training week intensities because of the solid base of cross training I have behind me.

It also has the added benefit that if I do suffer from an injury in one discipline, I am able to fall back on so many others to stay fit and healthy while I heal. I love the challenge of feeling like a beginner again. That deep frustration of not being good at something and trying again and again and again until you are. It helps to build self esteem and mental strength knowing that you can actually do things you never thought you could.

That being said, running is and always will be my first love. I just want to stay as healthy and consistent in my training as I can so I can reach all my goals for this year.

Speaking of goals for this year, I wanted to share a race that I will be doing this fall with my team mate, Brad. It will be my first time competing internationally and it is a wicked, 4 day stage race in Gaspesie called Raid International Gaspesie. 

To start preparing, I have lined up a local training partner for the disciplines I am weak on and I have begun with some cross training workouts at Goodlife Fitness.

Last night, I did this one.

I ran to and from the gym but you can do a warm up on the elliptical or bike if you want to cut out the running.

Two of my other favourite cross training workouts lately are:

How to Run Like an Olympian in the Pool

Utilizing the Elliptical to Maximize Training Benefits

What are your favourite cross training exercises?