To become a better runner you need to run. It’s an unavoidable truth. Let’s face it, you would never become a brilliant concert pianist by playing lots of different instruments. But runners do tend to become single-minded about their training, fearing that any time spent doing something else is simply a waste of precious running time.
This tunnel vision comes partly from the fact that running is an easy sport. Simply slip on some shorts and a top (though with the current weather we are having a few more layers are needed), chuck on your shoes and you are out of the door, with a limitless set of running routes and terrains out there for you.
In contrast other forms of training can seem annoying. You either need more kit and equipment (such as cycling), or equipment and specialist premises (such as rowing and swimming), or just because they seem like a lot more effort (such as weight work in the gym, or even worse, at home – for anyone who has tried to do regular strengthening exercises at home will testity, its tough, and that’s just the motivation to get started!)
But convenience, equipment and effort aside, these things are important. Other training is certainly not wasted time.
First and foremost the body likes a break from the monotony. Other types of aerobic training (cycling, swimming, rowing) work the aerobic system and muscles in slightly different ways, but ultimately they give your joints a break from the impact of pounding out the miles.
But probably most important of all is that other training will work muscles that surround your main running muscles, so reducing the chance of injury and making you a more efficient and effective runner.
0 Response to “Myth: ‘other training is wasted running time’”