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Cross training a key part of a runner’s regimen as they age

Yanover sustained pelvic and hip stress fractures, which sidelined her from running for four months.

At
her peak, she ran about 50 kilometres per week, in addition to hours
devoted to swimming and cycling. The time away from training gave the
Toronto-based physiotherapist an opportunity to think about retooling
her routine.

Yanover continues to cycle – albeit less frequently –
and has reduced the number of days devoted to running, maxing out at
about 30 kilometres a week.

Swimming has been replaced by weight
training. She has also incorporated hot yoga into her routine, which has
helped provide mental calm as well as a workout.

Whether it’s
for leisure or competition, runners can often have a one-track mind in
their approach to fitness. As they focus on building endurance or
shaving seconds off their personal best time, their devotion to running –
and only running – may result in neglecting other forms of exercise.

But
cross training – taking part in additional activities beyond a primary
sport of choice – is crucial for runners, especially as they get older,
noted Reed Ferber, director of the Running Injury Clinic at the
University of Calgary.

Ferber said after the age of 45, a process called sarcopenia – or muscle wasting – starts to take place.

“You naturally lose muscle and joints get a little stiffer… and you change the way that you run as a consequence,” he said.

“We
always say swim, bike, lift weights – anything to maintain your
cardiovascular fitness in addition to running. But lifting weights is
absolutely critical.

“Study after study has shown for the longest time that muscle strength is a key factor for injury prevention.”

Yanover said she feels much less exhausted with her new routine, and that her body recovers a lot better between workouts.

“I want to still be able to be active when I’m 60 and 70,” said Yanover, 46. “I don’t want to burn my body out so quickly.

“I
realize that I don’t need to do as much to benefit from it in the same
way that I did. And I’m probably benefiting from it more (by) making it
more about quality than quantity, and listening to when I feel tired and
cutting back.”

P.E.I.-based photographer Heather Ogg continued
training and running in both half and full marathons despite being
injured. She’s been receiving physiotherapy treatments for more than a
year.

As she scales back from running long distances, Ogg plans
to make cross training a part of her regimen. In addition to
incorporating cycling and swimming, she also plans to play tennis and
volleyball as a way to have fun and get fit simultaneously.

“I would rather be a phenomenal 5K runner than a crappy marathoner,” said Ogg, 48.

“My goal now is I want to rebuild how I’m running and cross-train and run properly…. Run well, not run long.”

Based
on research, Ferber said what’s most critical for runners is hip and
core strengthening, and he suggested exercises that help with
stabilizing or balance muscles. Examples include calf raises and using a
band to strengthen the hip abductors, muscles located on the upper and
outer portions of the buttocks.

“Those tiny little muscles, balancing muscles, are what’s critical from an injury prevention standpoint.”