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Centurion Running

If you haven't done a 100 mile run yet and fancy doing one, please look at Centurion Running. They specialise in putting on well organised, well supported and safe 100 mile races in the South of England. Their events compliment our multi-day events as they follow similar routes. So if you fancy the step up please follow this link to go to their website.

 

Crossfit

I got into crossfit because I realised that running doesn¹t make you strong, at least not me!. It meant that I could do less running and consequently incur less impact on my body and make up for it with strength, particularly core strength.

The by product is that it did build muscle and consequently unnecessary weight which is not really optimal for the MDS. It is very good for overall body conditioning and here are some of the things I discovered that work for me.
 

1. I have become a lot more centered, so am able to better use hamstring-glute-core rather than being too quad centric. A lot of hills (upand down) means people tend to over rely on quads.
2. My pelvis is a lot more stable so on long runs I get less biomechanical issues (I used to get sore achilles on my left, ITB on my right, etc, etc.) Also, I am way, way more efficient as a runner/walker/climber. You will do all 3 on the MDS! I actually took 2 1/2 hours off my time in the Pilgrims run this year vs last year (I wasn¹t fast last year but I was on my run up to the MDS, this year I've only really just started getting into my UTMB plan.)
3. My core is a lot stronger and more efficient, and I am able to use my arms better. With a stronger core you keep your form when you get tired, so staying more efficient for longer.
4. The strength of my legs is a lot more equal.
    

So crossfit does have benefits, particularly around compound exercises. I also use plyometrics as well, particularly jumping on/off/over boxes from squats and burpees (the best compound exercise of the lot, I think anyway!). I don¹t really use weights anymore, although kettlebells feature when I do. I also am doing pilates more and more. Try doing plank for 4 minutes, it will kill you! And beats any amount of situps (which basically make your 6 pack look good and not much more!)

www.crossfit.com is pretty good and there are lots of videos on youtube.

Bon courage, it is a real adventure!

By an XNRG Competitor