Many people set out the new year with a goal of running a 1/2 marathon or a Full Marathon. At our gym CrossFit Mettle and Honor we offer 2 day a week memberships and/or punch cards to help supplement your training. But why should you consider adding CrossFit to your marathon training? Here are 5 reasons why CrossFit can be a safe and beneficial addition to your running routine.
1. CrossFit improves your strength and endurance. Running long distances requires not only cardiovascular endurance, but also muscular strength and power. CrossFit workouts are designed to challenge your body in different ways, using functional movements that mimic real-life activities. By doing CrossFit, you will build stronger muscles, bones, and joints, which can help you prevent injuries and run faster and longer.
2. CrossFit enhances your mobility and flexibility. Running can be hard on your joints, especially if you have tight muscles or poor posture. CrossFit can help you improve your mobility and flexibility, by incorporating exercises that stretch and mobilize your hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine. By doing CrossFit, you will increase your range of motion, improve your alignment, and reduce the risk of muscle imbalances and overuse injuries.
3. CrossFit boosts your mental toughness and motivation. Running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. You need to have the grit and determination to push through the pain and fatigue, and to keep going when you feel like giving up. CrossFit can help you develop your mental toughness and motivation, by exposing you to different types of stressors and stimuli, such as high-intensity intervals, heavy weights, and varied movements. By doing CrossFit, you will learn how to cope with discomfort, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals.
4. CrossFit adds variety and fun to your training. Running can get boring and monotonous if you do the same thing every day. CrossFit can add variety and fun to your training, by offering different workouts every day, that challenge you in different ways. You will never get bored or complacent with CrossFit, as you will always have something new to learn and master. Plus, you will enjoy the camaraderie and support of the CrossFit community, which can make your training more enjoyable and rewarding.
5. CrossFit complements your running schedule. You might think that doing CrossFit will interfere with your running schedule, but that is not the case. CrossFit can complement your running schedule, by providing a balanced and holistic approach to fitness. You don’t have to do CrossFit every day, or give up running altogether. You can simply adjust your frequency and intensity of both activities, depending on your goals and preferences. For example, you can do CrossFit 2-3 times a week, on non-running days or as cross-training sessions, and run 3-4 times a week, focusing on quality over quantity.
As you can see, there are many benefits of adding CrossFit to your marathon training. If you are interested in trying it out, come visit us at CrossFit Mettle and Honor today! We have experienced coaches who can guide you through the workouts safely and effectively, and a friendly community who can cheer you on along the way. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced runner, we have a program that suits your needs and goals. Contact us today to get started!