Date: August 22nd 2010

Hello LHRR runners!

We hope that you are all enjoying the great weather we've been having; lots of sunshine and relatively low humidity. Summertime also offers opportunities for cross training, such as biking and swimming. Read the article below for some tips on the benefits of cross training. Expand your horizons while making your body a running machine!

Benefits of Cross-Training for Runners

Cross-training is any sport or exercise that supplements your main sport -- in this case, running. Whether you're a beginner runner or an experienced marathoner, you can benefit from cross-training. Here are several reasons why runners should cross-train:

# It helps balance your muscle groups. Cross-training helps strengthen your non-running muscles and rests your running muscles. You can focus on specific muscles, such as your inner thighs, that don't get worked as much while running and may be weaker than your running muscles.

# You'll maintain or even improve your cardiovascular fitness. Many cross-training activities are great cardiovascular workouts, so they build on those similar benefits of running.

# It reduces your chance of injury. By balancing your weaker muscles with your stronger ones, you'll help reduce your chance of injury. Participating in low-impact cross training activities, such as swimming or water running, will also lessen the stress on your joints, which are often a sore spot for runners.

# You'll avoid getting bored with running. Running day after day will eventually burn out even the most hard-core running enthusiast. Cross-training gives runners a much-needed mental break from their sport, which is especially important for those training for long-distance events such as marathons.

# You can continue to train with certain injuries, while giving them proper time to heal. Runners suffering from injuries are sometimes told by their doctor to take a break from running during their injury recovery. But, with certain injuries, it is possible to continue with cross-training. Cross-training can help injured runners maintain their fitness and deal better with the frustration of being sidelined from running.

We'd like to share with you info on the 2010 Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Walk; it's a great cause and a great run!

Marathoner Bill Rodgers will participate in the 2010 Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Walk in Waterbury on Sunday, Sept. 12.

The event will be held rain or shine at 1:30 p.m. at Library Park at Grand and Meadow streets in Waterbury. This year there is also a new, improved 1-mile walk route and, like last year, there will be a Kids Fun Run for children 10 and under in the park after the race, around 2:30 p.m.. To register, visit www.Bob5K.com.

All funds raised by this event go toward ongoing medical expenses for Naugatuck resident Bob Veillette, 65, a former runner, journalist and jazz pianist who suffered a massive stroke in 2006 that left him paralyzed from the nose down. To learn more about Veillette, visit www.BobVeillette.com.

Happy Feet,

The 2010 LHRR Committee