.png)
By Marlo Moseley
Runners don't do CrossFit and CrossFitters don't run...right? Not at CrossFit St. Augustine. CrossFit is about preparing a well-rounded athlete, and running is part of that process. There are all sorts of hybrid athletes in our gym. Triathletes, hockey players, golfers, swimmers, tennis players, pickle ball players and... runners.
Body, Mind, Community. This is why we run.
Weight-training makes you a stronger runner and reduces your risk of injury.
Weight-training done in CrossFit classes helps to build the muscles that support the joints. It also improves bone density, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Combining weight-training with running will help to prevent injury by protecting both our joints and bones. This will help to build a stronger athlete when we fuse strength and endurance and allow us to go farther and faster.
Building endurance helps you to go farther with less fatigue.
We work to improve our endurance through activities like running. This improves our cardiovascular system helping our body to provide enough oxygen to our muscles during workouts. As our muscular endurance increases, our body's ability to withstand fatigue improves, allowing us to workout longer. This training is not just for the body but also the mind, teaching us to push past where our mind is telling us to quit.
"This doesn't run"
About 13 years ago, I started walking. I wanted to feel better, and I didn't know where to start. So, I put on a pair of tennis shoes and simply walked. I didn't go far or fast. I needed routine and a time that was just for me. I quickly started to love my walks. I had my headphones and a great playlist, and it became my time to reflect and relax.
My soon to be sister-in-law said to me one Sunday, "Why don't you run?" I can distinctly remember my response,. I pointed to myself and said, "This doesn't run," meaning I thought I was too old, or out of shape. Later that week, I thought well, let me try it. I only ran a mile that day. It was slow and hard, but I did it! It gave me courage to branch out, and soon my walks turned into runs.
That same sister-in-law also introduced me to CrossFit, which has been an incredible journey, allowing me to be more physically fit at 50 than I was at 18. CrossFit enables me to feel stronger during my runs, and running allows me to have more endurance during my CrossFit workouts. They go hand in hand.
Stronger together!
We are all on different fitness paths, but at some point, paths cross. Don't be afraid to try something new! Don't let what you think control what might happen. You never know, you might find out that "this does run!" When we allow preconceptions to control our actions, we miss out on what might be. If you are already running, we are going to explore different ways to go farther and faster. If you are just starting out, we are going to show you how to start this journey!
Body, Mind, Community...this is why we run.