Runners face so many possible injuries.  Sadly one injury can lead to another.  How can you recover, but continue to work out and prepare for your race or season?  How do you know if you should completely stop, or if you can cross-train and try to stay active.

If you are injured, you should defiantly get yourself checked out with a professional who is familiar with runners, runners injuries and runners mind sets.  If you do get the news that you can keep working out but that you should cross-train, then what should you do?  Will your cross-training be as beneficial as your running?

Research has found that biking with sprints and resistance such as spinning in a spin class can improve your 10k times.  It has also found that weight training can improve running economy.  In other-words, after weight training runners can run faster with the same oxygen uptake.  For a beginning runner, or one who wants to increase their distance, walking can improve endurance until the individual is able to run as far as they need to.

Information found at: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/The-Best-Cross-Training-for-Runners

There are also many plyometric exercises that can build strength and prevent injury.  Go to this site and watch this video for some ideas: http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/body-shop-dont-get-hurt.  Or do some more research and find a plyometric workout you enjoy.

With today’s access to the internet, ideas and programs are easy to find.  Research is constantly being done.  You can do your own research too,  use yourself as a guinea pig.  Cross train with intensity, and see how well you do in your next race!