Coaching Corner
If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve been sidelines with an injury at some point over the years. Cross-training by participating in nonimpact forms of cardiovascular exercise such as cycling or swimming can not only speed your recovery but also help you prevent injuries in the first place. Fitness expert and Triathlon Coach Matt Fitzgerald identifies three approaches to endurance cross-training that together fits the needs of all runners.
First is the minimalist approach. This is for those who have little interest in endurance activities other than running or who are completely focused on racing and have no special physical needs that require them to do more than the minimum amount of cross-training. My recommendation for these runners is that they typically perform one endurance cross-training workout per week for active recovery. When injured or especially sore, they can replace individual runs with endurance cross-training workouts as necessary.
