I developed a pain in my right heel which makes it hard to stand on it at times. So, this is where the cross training comes in.

If this was summer time with good weather, I’d rely more on biking on the roads instead of running until the heel gets better. Luckily, I belong to a fitness club and am able to use their equipment for the sake of variety.

Ordinarily, I’d go for about a 4 or 5 mile run. Before going outside, I’d strap on the Garmin Forerunner 305. But with my heel the way it is, I did some cross training instead.

I spent the first 10 minutes on a lifecycle. The guy next to me was on a bike with a wheel that generated a slight breeze, so it was nice to get that during the 10-minute workout. After that, I headed over to the stairclimber for another 10 minutes. Then next to that, I got onto the elliptical trainer for another 10. By the time I was done, it was a great workout and didn’t even seem like 30 minutes.

None of this workout put any undue pressure on the heel, so it didn’t make it any worse for wear. I’ve done some occasional cycling on the stationary bike, as well as using the elliptical, but it’s been a while since I’ve been on the stairclimber. That’s the one I should add to the routine more often. This is good use of the calves and quads.

Even if you’re not dealing with an injury, cross training provides a diversion from the routine and targets some muscles differently than running. And this can only enhance your overall running fitness. To your good health!

Leave me a comment if you enjoyed my short article, thanks!