| We all know training for a marathon requires lots of | | | | - Saturday - 12 mile long run + stretching |
| running. But, other exercises need to be incorporated | | | | Remember that cross-training activities should be good |
| into your training regimen to ensure that you cross the | | | | low impact muscle strengthening exercises like |
| finish line strong and healthy. | | | | swimming, water jogging, rowing, weight training, yoga, |
| When I trained for my first marathon I ran at least 5 | | | | elliptical trainer, cycling/spinning, and walking. |
| days per week and did little cross training. If the | | | | Here are the benefits you reap from effective |
| weather was bad I might do an exercise video, but I | | | | cross-training |
| didn't have a plan for stretching or core strengthening. | | | | - Balancing muscle groups by working those muscles |
| Throughout my training program I struggled with shin | | | | not used in running |
| splints and knee pain. It was frustrating to deal with | | | | - Increasing cardiovascular fitness |
| these injuries. | | | | - Improving core strength and power |
| While training for my second marathon I was taking a | | | | - Decreasing your chances of injury by not running |
| power yoga class twice a week. I also incorporated | | | | every day |
| weight training and some cycling. | | | | - Giving running injuries time to heal |
| Here is a sample week from my training: | | | | - Busting boredom by breaking up the monotony of |
| - Sunday - rest day | | | | running every day |
| - Monday - run 5 easy miles + stretching and core | | | | Almost every reputable running expert recommends |
| workout | | | | focused cross-training. Make it an integral part of your |
| - Tuesday - power yoga for 1 hour | | | | training and you will reap great benefits. My second |
| - Wednesday - run 6 mile intervals + stretching and | | | | marathon ended without injury and discomfort. Now I |
| lower body weight training | | | | highly recommend a schedule of stretching and |
| - Thursday - power yoga for 1 hour | | | | cross-training to anyone training for a marathon. |
| - Friday - 1 hour cycling + upper body weight training | | | | |