Saturday, October 26, 2013

CROSS TRAINING -- UGH!

Don't get me wrong. I believe cross training is an incredibly important part of a runner's training program, especially if the runner is injured or old like me. I don't mind cross training two or three times a week to keep my joints healthy. But more than one day in a row and I start longing for the roads.

I was hoping to wake up today feeling half decent. Unfortunately, my calf hurt more today than it did the day after the Columbus Half. I plan on cross training three days in a row and testing it out on Wednesday with an easy six miler. I will also do a Kinesio tape job on it. Kinesio Tape is an elastic therapeutic tape that is great for strains and minor muscle tears.

Here's a video showing you how to tape a strained calf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XTxAREiYFE

What do I do on my cross training days? Stationary bike. Not very exciting is it? But it's effective. I can go hard without straining muscles that I use on runs. I also throw in three sets of pushups, back raises, leg lifts, and curls. Like I told you, I don't mind cross training one day and running the next. To cross train three days in a row is going to be mentally challenging for me.

But this is what I deserve. If I would have taken a more conservative approach to training after a hard half, I would not be in this position right now. Learn from my mistake. Err on the side of caution.

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