Rebecca Hammel is a running coach and PT, she has run many marathons and completed several Ironmans. Rebecca inspires her followers to train variedly with a focus on cardio sports but also strength training and mobility, mental training and yoga. Rebecca run a lot and sees the cross-country ski season as a perfect opportunity to let the body have a break from running, give the brain a pause AND to get a stronger body overall, even in running.
Many people have a habit of becoming single-minded in their routine, out of convenience or out of fear of losing their fitness level in their "sport". However, there is great potential to challenge and change your routine, that gives better results in every way, not least for motivation and for health in general.
"From experience, I know that many people find it difficult to let go of their existing training routine, often due to a fear of "losing shape. If you are on holiday or traveling, it can be difficult to get in the training at all because you lose all their usual routine and maybe even less dare to try something new.I can understand both reasons BUT I want to challenge you all by seeing the holiday as an opportunity to do something completely different, free from the usual performance, focusing on feeling good and rest body and bud from the usual routine."
Can you exchange running sessions for skiing if your main focus is on running?
The answer is, of course, YES and that it is the ultimate sport to replace a running session with.
Cross-country skiing (classical) means that many muscle groups are activated, which puts a great strain on the heart, which is then trained in an exemplary way. At the same time, it is gentle and saves some on your calves and thigh muscles, which are otherwise very strained during hard running sessions! In addition, it is good strength training for the stomach, back, buttock muscles, shoulders and arms, which many runners are weak in.
How many sessions do you think can be shifted?
Of course, the rule that "you get good at what you do" still applies, so the majority of your sessions should still be running (unless you're injured - then you can switch them all)
Changing 1-2 sessions of running for skiing per week is excellent. It is best to replace distance sessions in order to achieve a high training volume without becoming too tired.
Rebecca has replaced all the running sessions for a week (when she was in the mountains) for cross-country skiing. It has given variety to both head and body, which is more important than you might think, even if it comes at the expense of a little running form (with emphasis on just little).
That said, get out and enjoy the snow if you can. Pause your everyday regular training and get stronger and more motivated!
Good luck!
//Rebecca Hammel
