by Harry Hall

This is a continuation of the training article in the October 2003 issue of Inside Texas Running. For the complete story on whether running more miles will help your running, pick up a copy of that issue of ITR. Subscribe to ITR today!

Dallas distance coach Terry Jessup says that while cross-training has its purpose, it should only be utilized after the athletes' running maximum has been achieved, or in the case of an injury.

"If someone wants to run 80 miles a week, but his body can only do 60, we'll try and squeeze another 3-4 hours a week in cross- training," he says.

He has three favorites when it comes to cross-training. The first is pool running.

"I believe in sport specific training," says Jessup. "With pool running, you get constant resistance on the legs throughout the range of motion."

He adds that the workout should be hard.

Number two is the elliptical trainer, because you get the running action without the pounding.

"But," he says, "you are really only working the heart."

Still, he believes the elliptical trainer is the best cardiovascular machine to come out in years.

Third is a good rowing machine.

"All the muscles get a good workout," he says. "It gives you a full body exercise."