In the running community it was scandalous. Many thought I was crazy.
Yes, I’m talking about crossfit, a type of strength and conditioning program that is usually used by football and hockey players. Not runners.
Aren’t runners supposed to be as lean as possible? Doesn’t lifting weights make you bulky and slow? Yes, that’s what I initially thought too. So why would I even consider trying out crossfit?
So how has crossfit made me a better runner?
Crossfit has made me leaner and stronger. Contrary to popular belief, no matter how heavy I have lifted I have yet to see any bulk. I did gain about 5 pounds but was able to go down a pant size. This extra weight has not had any serious negative effects on my running. Instead, hills have become my strength in races. While others spend hours doing hill repeats and struggling at races, I’m able to power up hills with little hill specific training.
Crossfit has done wonders for my speed. Crossfit WOD’s require finishing certain exercises as quick as possible. This requires the use of your fast twitch muscles, which are normally neglected by distance runners. This type of training has been extremely noticeable at the end of my races. Several times I have been able to overtake other runners in the sprint towards the finish.
Crossfit has made me mentally stronger. Crossfit includes Olympic weightlifting and gymnastic movements, both of which are quite foreign concepts for runners. Learning these new skills has been extremely challenging and humbling. By persevering through endless hours of practice I’ve become stronger mentally.
Crossfit has changed my outlook on running. There once was a time when I would run everyday. Three to four of these runs would have a specific purpose, such as long and easy, speed work, and tempos. The rest of my runs would be “junk” runs. Runs with the sole purpose to add on mileage. By adding cross fit to my routine I’ve been able to get rid of these junk runs. Not only does this give my legs a break, it spices up my routine.
Crossfit has prevented me from getting injured. I believe the muscles I have developed from cross fit have aided in my lack of injuries the past several years. Many of my main competitors have experienced stress fractures and muscle strains. Crossfit has made my body more able to handle the stress running causes.
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