5 Easy Ways CrossFit Benefits Runners

There are many ways that CrossFit benefits runners, including the 5 ways that will boost your running performance. Maybe you're looking to take your running performance to the next level. Or you want to avoid the nagging injuries that you hear other runners dealing with. Incorporating CrossFit into your training as a runner can be the key to both of those things and more. From building strength and increasing your endurance to preventing injuries. Whether you?re a marathoner or a fan of the 5k distance, here?s how CrossFit can help you become a stronger, faster, and more resilient runner.

CrossFit workouts often involve high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and metabolic conditioning, which can improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina. This can translate to better performance during longer runs and races. All while getting your warm-up, workout, and cooldown done in a 1 hour class setting with others.

CrossFit incorporates a variety of strength and conditioning exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and various forms of jumping, which can help runners build stronger muscles. The barbell movements that are found in many classes are a practice in generating power with our legs and hips.

CrossFit benefits runners by working your muscles in multiple directions and ways, which not only prepares you for race conditions like moving around other participants or on a more hilly course. This increased strength can enhance running efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries.

By addressing imbalances and weaknesses through functional movements, CrossFit benefits runners by prevent common injuries such as IT band syndrome, shin splints, and runner's knee. Additionally, strengthening the stabilizing muscles around the joints can improve your form and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.

Most CrossFit movements strengthen your core, which is essential for injury prevention, not just in running. A strong core helps distribute forces more evenly throughout the body, reducing the strain on specific areas while running and lowering the likelihood of injury.

All of our CrossFit classes include mobility in the warm-ups and stretching as part of our cooldowns. This can help improve flexibility and range of motion in key areas for runners, such as the hips, hamstrings, and ankles. Improved flexibility can enhance running form and efficiency while reducing the likelihood of muscle strains and tightness. Making time for mobility and cooldowns can be a difficult part of training for an endurance event. Having a coach guide you in every class ensures that you have time for stretching in your routine.

CrossFit workouts often push us out of our comfort zone, which requires some mental resilience. But it also shows us what we are capable of within the gym, which then carries outside of the gym. An increase in mental fortitude not only benefits runners during their difficult training session but also on race day when pushing to do their best and achieve goals. Running a new distance or a personal best pace is uncharted territory. Believing in yourself comes from trusting your training as well as knowing what you're capable of.

Overall, incorporating CrossFit into a runner's training program can provide a well-rounded approach to fitness, improving strength, endurance, flexibility, and mental toughness. Ultimately leading to better performance and fewer injuries on the road or trail.

This past weekend, we had more than 20 members take their fitness outside to participate in the Get In Gear event. From the 5k, 10k, and half marathon, our members conquered distances new and very familiar to them. Many of those athletes making time for at least 3 CrossFit classes a week. We believe that's a great example of how CrossFit benefits runners, and we hope to see you in class!