Base Day 4: Cross-Training

With the higher mileage I did yesterday (19.4 miles) I decided to take today off. I didn’t feel too bad and if I wanted to I could have run a bit, but I chose to cross train instead. My teammates Jenny and Mike met me at my gym for their various workouts, so I hopped on the elliptical. Jenny had a workout to day, Mike wanted the squat rack.

The weather forecast was rain, rain and more rain, so it’s easier to stay indoors when going out means becoming a sopping mess. I got in some elliptical and biking and also did my core workout while marveling at Jenny’s speed. I find that when I get on the mill after a long time away (for me now that’s about a year) it seems a lot harder. After a few sessions though, it can be a mentally easy way to get in a workout.

Though I still trained twice today, the low impact was good for my body. When I ramp up mileage, I get a bit of tenderness in my public and groin area. It usually doesn’t escalate as long as I’m not greedy and focus on one thing (mileage or speed) rather than both. I also eat the same as I would whether it’s a 20 mile day or a cross training day, I think that helps too.

When I began running, and even a few years in before I took things seriously, I felt like I didn’t need as much on off days or when I didn’t run. I now know that is a farce in my situation. Proper nutrition is very important to my mood and how I run. Mostly my mood. A nourished mind is a happy mind most of the time.

AM: 90 minutes XT

Strength: Core

PM: 60 minute bike

Extras: hurdle drills, foam rolling

Food: BREAKFAST (oatmeal/pb/berries/chocolate/grapes) LUNCH (salmon/spaghetti squash/chips) DINNER (golden rice/lentils/sauce/pickled celery) SNACK (yogurt/protein powder/granola/pb)