While so many runners are just starting to train for their fall marathons and adding miles each week, I am enjoying not having a training plan right now. For me, summer is the time to be more casual about my running mileage and pace. I am on a mission to enjoy the myriad of cross training activities that summer offers.
Favorite Summer Cross Training Activities
Cycling
Cycling has long been one of my favorite summer activities. I find it so much easier to tolerate the heat and humidity while whizzing around on my bike. I am able to go for a 2 hour ride without killing myself ha. I know I would not be able to run for two hours in the summer heat. Cycling also offers me an opportunity to explore new routes that would be too far to run to.
Swimming
While I have not been swimming as much as I have in previous summers, getting into the pool post run is still one of my favorite ways to exercise. Our post run swims are the best!
Strength training
Summer is the perfect time to work on some of your weaknesses in the gym. Another plus, the gym has air conditioning. Winning!
Stand up paddle boarding
This is my new favorite activity! There is something so peaceful about paddling on a quiet lake. I like the rhythm of the strokes and I can get into a zone. I recently signed up for a SUP triathlon in September so I expect to pack in a few more SUP sessions over the next few weeks.
Don’t worry this mother runner has not abandoned running. I am still keeping up my three times a week schedule but with shorter runs at a lower intensity. Long runs will be there for me with the cooler temps of fall. How about you? What summer cross training activities are you loving?
linking up
I have finished all training and probably all races at least for a while. So I’m looking forward to getting back into Spin, which I have not been able to find time for while ramping up the running. And I’m considering finding a riding stable and doing a bit of riding, as I’ve only done it sporadically in the last few years but have enjoyed every time I’ve gone.
Spin classes are great in the heat of the summer. Enjoy the air conditioning!
This is what I love about cross training. There are just so many different ways to get in a great workout.
Yes there sure are! I will be so ready to get back to long runs come September
I just purchased an inflatable SUP–an amazon prime day deal! I can’t wait to try it out. Of course, I’d love a ‘real’ SUP but from what I’ve read, these are a pretty good back up plan. I love being out on the water.
Oh fun! Always wondered how those blow up boards work. Let me know!
I’ve been loving walking the dogs and strength training. Although paddle boarding does seem like a great cross training exercise.
strength training in the summer time always feels good to me too
Wise plan! When heat rules the cross training helps a lot.
However your is a busy week with running, cycling, paddling, swimming and strength training!
After all my incidents (fractures: 2 vertebras, femur and shoulder) I am very limited: no more swimming, paddling (I had a wonderful fast english kayak for competitions) and strength training. I could use my bike but I am scared because in Italy it’s dangerous, for the statistic every other day one biker is killed by cars for incident. Moreover I don’t like the stationary bike.
Ouch did not know you had so many previous injuries!
I am starting to see the allure of cycling. Crazy how I can knock out double digit rides pretty quick & easy before work. I still love my hot runs, though 😉
I love cycling in the summer time. Yes it is great to bang out those higher mileage rides without exhausting yourself as much. pedal on my friend!
CrossFit is my absolute favorite! I love that it’s something different every class, and I don’t have to think about my workout will be. I just show up and do the workout I’m told to do! I also recently tried indoor cycling for the first time and I’m a huge fan.
I have not tried a true cross fit class but I do love my strength training and cycling sessions as well. Always fun to mix things up!
Stand up paddle boarding is a definite favorite for me. I have also been trying to do more yoga!
I love yoga all year around. I am really getting into liking SUP hope I can get a few more sessions in before they close at labor day
I have never heard of a SUP triathlon – sounds like fun! When is your race?
I have not heard of it either! It is September 15th so that gives me a little bit of time to practice some more
Every time I see a post about cross training, I tell myself that I need to do more of it. I love how you are able to fit in so many different ones in your schedule.
Thanks! I do enjoy doing lots of different activities and I love strength training.
I really need to get back on my bike! And (finally) try SUP!
Yes to biking! Do you have somewhere near you to try SUP? You have great balance you would love it
I will be trying SUP for the first time at the EMPOWER Camp next month. I can’t swim (except to save my life). I’m really looking forward to learning!
REally?! Can’t wait to hear how you like it
I have always wanted to try paddle boarding! Maybe ill give it a try this summer
Hope you have a chance to try it’s lots of fun
I do and love all theses during the summer! SUP is a favorite along with open water swimming!
It is fun to mix it up sometimes
I still need to try SUP!
It is so much fun!
Such a good way to stay fit! I’m doing some indoor HITT workouts on the TV while the babies play. They think burpees are hilarious!
Have to make it work whenever you can. You definitely have your hands full!
SUP Triathlon sounds like so much fun! Love all the x-training activities you listed especially swimming.
Thanks I am excited to see how it goes!
I’m finally starting to like SUP-ing! I’ve gotten better at indoor rowing and I think that helped. Plus the dog likes to go, too. Good tips!
Oh that’s fun to take your dog along with you
I think for me it’s mostly about strength & flexibility this summer. Although even just maintaining a running base for me seems to be time consuming!
How I wish I had a pool . . . I want to take over neighbors pools (even though I don’t really know most of the neighbors who have pools).
Hey that sounds like a great way to get to know the neighbors! 🙂 It is time consuming just to try to keep up a base for running!
I still have not been paddle boarding and I’m just dying to try it!!! Loving these ideas for summertime!
Hope you have the chance to try it sometime it’s really fun
We love love love to paddle board! That’s definitely a favorite in our house.
It is a lot of fun and a great core workout
I think I’m a glutton for punishment. I actually prefer to run in the heat over running when it’s cold out! And we get into the 100’s here in Texas! I have been adding in some cycling this summer though. I forgot how fun it was to ride your bike! 🤣
I am always excited to rediscover bike riding every summer. I just can’t take the heat anymore I am a cooler weather runner lover