By CHRISTOPHER McCLINTOCK
For Brentwood Home Page
I shouldn't be surprised, I shouldn't act surprised, I should contain my excitement and act like I knew what I was doing. But isn't still so exciting and invigorating when what you intended to happen, actually happens?!
Get this: My client was getting ready for his third Ironman Triathlon. That's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and a 26.2-mile run . . . no small feat and this was his third time doing it. I have also completed an Ironman Triathlon and have an understanding of what his needs were and knew exactly what to do with him. Cross-train. Cross-train. Cross-train.
He did two things different for this Ironman:
1. Cross-train/Strength-train
2. Not a single 100-mile bike ride. (In his past races he had done 4-6 in preparation)
The results: A personal best by TWO HOURS!
The testimonial: "Personal Best Fitness was instrumental during the training process for Ironman Switzerland! Being my third Ironman I wanted and needed help with the long road that is Ironman training.
"I was able to PR by over 2 hours! and that was because of the core and leg strength that we development in our personal training sessions. I want to thank Christopher, Meg, and Jennifer for all of their help in helping me achieve this goal." - Will S.
Now don't get me wrong . . . there is no substitute for practicing the actual exercise that you are preparing to compete with. Runners need to run. Bikers need to bike. Our client was very dedicated to his swimming, biking and running and showed great discipline in that.
However, strengthening the stabilizer muscles and the secondary muscles that support the primary muscles for your exercise movement, will keep the primary muscles from exhaustion and fatigue. Strengthening the fast-twitch muscles through cross-training (when all you work with your running is your slow-twitch muscles) will give you more overall speed and a stronger kick at the finish.
So the easy answer to the question: Should I run more or cross-train more?
If your running is consistent and disciplined, you will see greater results in your running from a good cross-training program. Here's to reaching your Personal Best!
Take your health and fitness to the next level, and take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation (a $65 value). During this consult, you'll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that's tailored to YOUR body. There's no obligation and it's totally and completely free.
 Christopher is the owner and trainer of Personal Best Fitness in Brentwood, TN and currently has 7 personal trainers working under him there. Christopher has run 54 Marathon and Triathlons. Christopher is the author of “Exercise for Lap-Banders” and works with Baptist, Vanderbilt and Southern Hills Hospitals with their Weight Loss Surgery Patients. Christopher McClintock received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Recreation from KentStateUniversity and is certified by the International Sports Sciences Association. Please refer to his website http://www.personal-best-fitness.com
By CHRISTOPHER McCLINTOCK
For Brentwood Home Page
I shouldn't be surprised, I shouldn't act surprised, I should contain my excitement and act like I knew what I was doing. But isn't still so exciting and invigorating when what you intended to happen, actually happens?!
Get this: My client was getting ready for his third Ironman Triathlon. That's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and a 26.2-mile run . . . no small feat and this was his third time doing it. I have also completed an Ironman Triathlon and have an understanding of what his needs were and knew exactly what to do with him. Cross-train. Cross-train. Cross-train.
He did two things different for this Ironman:
1. Cross-train/Strength-train
2. Not a single 100-mile bike ride. (In his past races he had done 4-6 in preparation)
The results: A personal best by TWO HOURS!
The testimonial: "Personal Best Fitness was instrumental during the training process for Ironman Switzerland! Being my third Ironman I wanted and needed help with the long road that is Ironman training.
"I was able to PR by over 2 hours! and that was because of the core and leg strength that we development in our personal training sessions. I want to thank Christopher, Meg, and Jennifer for all of their help in helping me achieve this goal." - Will S.
Now don't get me wrong . . . there is no substitute for practicing the actual exercise that you are preparing to compete with. Runners need to run. Bikers need to bike. Our client was very dedicated to his swimming, biking and running and showed great discipline in that.
However, strengthening the stabilizer muscles and the secondary muscles that support the primary muscles for your exercise movement, will keep the primary muscles from exhaustion and fatigue. Strengthening the fast-twitch muscles through cross-training (when all you work with your running is your slow-twitch muscles) will give you more overall speed and a stronger kick at the finish.
So the easy answer to the question: Should I run more or cross-train more?
If your running is consistent and disciplined, you will see greater results in your running from a good cross-training program. Here's to reaching your Personal Best!
Take your health and fitness to the next level, and take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation (a $65 value). During this consult, you'll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that's tailored to YOUR body. There's no obligation and it's totally and completely free.
|
Email
Print
