Cross-Training-What I Have Been Doing

Cross-Training has been something that I have always been lacking in my training plans. I always felt like I didn't have the time to fit it into my schedule because I barely have time to get my runs done. Having a career and a family can sometimes make it difficult but I try to make it happen without spending too much time away from home. I feel too guilty coming home from work and then taking off to the gym or leaving for a run every day of the week. I wanted to find something that I could do at home or with my family and I found the perfect solution-my bike trainer.

I started riding my road bike, which I bought almost a year ago, on my bike trainer about five weeks ago and I really like it. I have been using my bike trainer twice a week for 45 minutes at a time. I am hoping to take it out of the road one day but I am still kind of nervous about it. Cycling is really helping my legs in so many different ways that running does not since it works different muscles. It is also much easier on my legs and allows for a much quicker recovery since there is no pounding. I love that it so low impact that I can go for a decent run the next day and not feel any kind of soreness from cross-training. I read that cycling helps with leg turnover while running and also helps with speed. Intervals also work your legs just as hard as running hills. I hate hill repeats so this got me all excited!

When I ride my bike, I do not focus on the miles but more on time and cadence which is more important to me. My goal is 80-100 pedal revolutions per minute and I am currently at an average of 74. The workout from cycling is great and I can feel definitely feel the burn in my quads! I wear my Garmin which pairs up the cadence/speed sensor which is mounted on my bike frame to help me track my progress. 

This is the data that Garmin Connect provides so I am tracking my progress weekly to see if I am improving and getting closer to my goal.

I have noticed a difference in the way that my legs feel when I run. My quads feel stronger and when I do my hilly routes, my legs are able to handle them a lot better. This is the trainer that I bought from REI for about $340.00. It is a little pricey but my time is worth it and it keeps me at home with my family where I want to be. I can also have food in the oven or a load of laundry going while I do my 45-minute ride. I am determined to stick with my cross-training in hopes of seeing some better results with my running!

What is your favorite method of cross-train? 

How many days a week do you cross train?

Oh and by the way, my son wanted me to tell all of my readers that he says "HI!" Please say "HI" back to him because he will be excited!