One of the runners I’m currently coaching has unfortunately had a longer injury history than anyone should have to deal with. For good reason, this runner wants to proceed with extreme caution.
This runner also likes many activities and wants to find a place for them all. From yoga and Pilates to some unique but very effective forms of cross training, there is a lot to fit into the schedule.
While this kind of schedule can be a challenge for a coach to fit together, it’s something I’m embracing. Why? Not just because I like to solve puzzles like this but because it’s absolutely what this runner needs.
This individual may or may not need to be this cautious. However, I don’t think for one second that the caution is unwarranted. Given this individual’s history, the caution is actually quite appropriate. What if the runner does need to be this cautious and we weren’t? The result could be something I don’t want this individual to have to go through.
More than this, though, this is the kind of routine that will build this runner’s confidence. Everyone needs something a little different to build their confidence and to find the balance that keeps our motivation high. For me, it’s a ton of running with as little as possible cross training. For this runner, it’s a lot of cross training with a more forgiving running load.
Don’t worry about what someone else is doing. Find that balance that works for you, whatever it is. Then, as your training progresses, strive to keep that balance by doing whatever is necessary. Be creative. Be open to some out of the box ideas. Be willing to try things that may not be conventional. Whatever it takes to find the best path for you, do it.