ElliptiGO

Wow.  Just wow.  I was reading an interview with Josh Cox, who holds the American 50k record (roughly 31 miles.  Someday. Someday), and he was discussing his habits as an elite athlete, as well as what he uses to crosstrain in order to become a more efficient runner.  First off, he recommends not maintaining the same level of intensity throughout the year, and instead believes in the power of Periodization (an organized approach to training that involves progressive cycling of various aspects of a training program during a specific period of time. It is a way of alternating training to its peak during season.  Thanks wikipedia).  He is also a huge advocate of strength training and core work, which I also absolutely believe in, yet am having a hard time getting myself to do anything other than running lately.

Anyway, so Josh Cox touches lightly on this product called the ElliptiGO and Runners World provided a link to this crosstraining device. LOOK AT IT!  HERE!  The only sad part about this crosstraining machine is that it currently retails at $2500.  Welp, there's no way I could afford that, but it looks seriously amazing.  Its half bike, half run, all awesome.  The website boasts ahem, claims that the Elliptigo can be better than running as it is low impact (doesn't cause damage to the joints), offers a quicker recovery (longer and more intense training with less days off), and is MORE exhilarating because you can take it out on the road and into the outdoors.  The video even shows an elite athlete biking on the sand!  Sign me up, please!

Even if you can't afford the ElliptiGO, the moral of the story is that Josh Cox recommends crosstraining and "downtime" when trying to maintain your level of fitness.  Downtime doesn't mean no exercise whatsoever, it just means that you should switch things up once in a while. 

As a side bar, I'm going to check out Niketown's Running Club with my good friend and soccer teammate, Mario.  Apparently runners and walkers of all types meet at Niketown on Newbury Street in Boston on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and decide to run either 3, 5, or 7 miles.  After finishing your run, Niketown provides refreshments.  I have read in a random blog that they will also occasionally provide speakers discussing various topics involving running (anywhere from shoes, to fueling, to style, to pizazz).  I think we are going to try to go this wednesday, but, um, I think I already have plans.  Either way, we are hitting this up! (Thanks to massachusetts.cityvoter.com for the photo!)