Cross-train for better running

Anyone who's gotten hooked on running will know what I mean when I say there is nothing else like it.

Sure there are other ways to get in shape, work out or lather up a sweat. But running isn't just physical. It is a moving form of meditation for many of us.

My only issue with running is winter. I have documented, probably too well, my dislike for the treadmill (which I admit has been made a little better by finding a way to watch reruns of "CSI" and "Without a Trace" while I run — you have to run long enough to find out who did it).

This is where cross-training comes in. The benefits of cross-training are so well-documented you'd be hard-pressed (and probably should run from) any trainer who recommends NOT cross-training. One of the biggest benefits is reduction of overuse injuries, which seem to afflict runners with a bit more regularity and passion.

Second, and almost as important, is that runners need to recover, especially once we start increasing our mileage. That means we need rest the day after. So instead of taking a day off from any form exercise, swim or go to a yoga class. That way, you're resting your running body while actually increasing the fitness of your actual body.

And it's a way to stave off boredom. Here I am in the depth of winter, and while I have actually ventured outdoors for a couple of runs, the inversion, icy roads and chilly winds have convinced me to stay inside most of January and February.

Winter was made for cross-training.

My issue with cross-training isn't that there aren't many options out there. In the last week I've tried a step class, spin class (taught by my colleague Jared Eborn), circuit weights and nordic walking. With each endeavor I learned that while I can run pretty much as far as I want, I am not that fit.

For example, I think Jared may have made the class a little tougher just to test me, but about 15 minutes into the spin class, my quads were on fire. This fire only got hotter as we climbed imaginary hills to hits from the '80s. When I got off the cycle, I had a tough time finding the strength to walk DOWN the stairs!

Interestingly, I wasn't winded by the workout — just whipped. Same story in step class, although I felt at a bit of a disadvantage because I spent so much time trying to figure out the steps, I'm not sure I pushed myself all that hard.

I've been running almost every day since recovering from my post-Christmas surgery, but with my new workouts, my body is aching like it just left the couch yesterday.