The Gospel Of Cross-Training
Runner's World SA|May/June 2020
Sometimes the best way to improve your running… is to do less of it.
Dr Phatho Zondi
The Gospel Of Cross-Training

I have a confession to make. I recently started cycling, and I absolutely love it. So much so, in fact, that I’m cycling more than I’m running these days.

If this makes me a traitor to the running tribe, I plead guilty.

But before you judge me too harshly and throw me out of the inner circle, consider this: the cycling program I’m on has completely transformed my running. I’m powering up hills with an ease I’ve never known before, and I end my long runs feeling refreshingly strong.

All this before I’ve even tried Nike’s Vaporfly shoes. Just saying.

Here’s my point. Cross-training is doing me wonders, and I feel a great sense of duty to spread this gospel far and wide – especially to those of you who are not yet convinced that cutting back on the runs and mixing things up will lead to ultimate gain.

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