Cross training with weights enhance workouts for some Mini-Marathon participants

Here's an update on the journey of three Hoosiers as they train for the One- America 500 Festi- val Mini-Marathon on May 8. Learn how they use cross-training to prepare for the Mini-Marathon.



No one needs to convince Barbara O'Brien, 43, about the importance of cross-training to her running. She is sold on strength-training using free weights, a BOSU ball and her own body weight.


"I wouldn't do without it now," said O'Brien. She trains once a week with a National Institute for Fitness and Sport personal trainer who works at the fitness center at Sallie Mae, where O'Brien is employed.

About 11/2 years ago, O'Brien started concentrating on doing strength-training, particularly full-body exercises, such as lunges and squats with weights, push-ups and those that help improve balance and posture. The trainer also adds in some cardio work on the elliptical or treadmill.

"The biggest thing I've noticed is improvements in my stride," said O'Brien. "When I'm running, I can really feel like my stride is straighter, and I have better movement and form."

She also has increased her lean muscle mass and now can do many more push-ups than she used to do.

O'Brien says she doesn't feel the need most of the time to do other cardio work, such as bicycling, while she's training for a half-marathon or marathon. In the summer, though, she will swim laps at a nearby pool.

"It's fun when you can mix it up and throw things at your body that it's not used to."

DeeAndria Hampton

When personal trainer Liz Burton asked what body areas DeeAndria Hampton wanted to focus on, she immediately knew the answer: glutes, hips and the entire core area.

"Those areas are noticeably weaker and not as conditioned as they should be," said Hampton, 39, Indianapolis. This year's Mini-Marathon will be her first.

"I need to be strong and make sure my muscles are strong and stable to get through this without getting injured," she said.

With Burton, part owner of KnowSweat Workouts, she does a lot of core exercises, such as walking planks to the side and Russian twists, with a medicine ball overhead, while sitting on a stability ball. She also does some plyometric exercises, fast-paced movements, including jumping from one foot to the other, which activates fast-twitch muscles.

By Barb Berggoetz