Running - Tuesday, April 29th, 2025

Running

Why Running Matters in CrossFit (Even If You Hate It)

For along time CrossFitters were known to not be the biggest fan of running. Yes in the month when we don’t have snow on the ground, we run in WOD’s a lot, but typically it’s 200m, 400m, 800m, a few longer distances, but not as often. Running isn’t as sexy as a barbell snatch or as technical as a handstand walk, however running is an absolute foundational element that deserves a ton of respect.

Functional Fitness at Its Core

CrossFit is all about functional fitness. Training that prepares you for life, and let’s be honest, running is one of the most functional things you can do. Whether you're chasing your dog, catching a bus, playing with your grandkids, being able to run efficiently matters.

Cardio That Carries Over

Running isn’t just about endurance. It builds your aerobic base, which overall will help you recover between rounds, lifts, or intervals. Building an engine. And a better engine means better performance overall, especially in longer WODs or Hero workouts. While your Fran time might not directly involve running, your ability to recover between thrusters and pull-ups will absolutely depend on your overall conditioning, which running plays a role in.

Mental Toughness Builder

Running, especially during high intensity workouts, pushes your mental limits. There’s something about hitting a 400m run after heavy cleans that forces you to dig deep. That mental grit transfers into other parts of your training, like pushing through the last few reps when your lungs are on fire.

It's Often the Equalizer

In many WODs, running is the piece that separates the good from the great. You can be strong, skilled, and fast, but if your run pace drops off, you’re losing time. Athletes who learn to run efficiently can gain major advantages over those who dread it. Essentially making you fitter over time.

How to Embrace Running

• Work on technique: Just like you wouldn’t deadlift with poor form, running deserves attention to posture, cadence, and breathing.

• Don’t skip running days: Cherry picking is tempting, but running focused WODs are golden opportunities to grow.

• Track your progress: Use apps or a simple journal to track your run times and see improvements over time.

• Run. We would rather have you run if you can, we will scale the distance, we will suggest run/walk during a WOD. But we would much rather you get out and run, then opt for a bike (unless you have an injury that prevents running).

Running is a tool that will lead to improved overall fitness. A well rounded CrossFitter embraces all modalities, and running is one of the oldest and most essential. The next time you see it programmed, shift your mindset: it’s not a punishment, it’s a chance to get better.

So lace up, get out there, and run. As mentioned above, we would much rather have every single person get out and run, but we do have a few who have injuries that prevent running, so we will make modifications. However, for those who just don’t like to run, or feel they’re not great at it, you need to run. You’re missing a ton of fitness by not. We’re always happy to change the distance, and have you run a bit and walk a bit. But if you cut out running completely, you’re cutting out a huge amount of fitness. The bike, especially the C2 bike is not the same stimulus as running, please get out of the habit of jumping on the C2 bike instead of running. This running season coaches will have other tools in the tool box for those who are unable to run. (Echo/Assault Bike, toe touches, walking, are a few on the list.)

9:30am Class
Tuesday’s are garbage is picked up during the 9:30am class, we’ve had to have cars moved a few times, please do not park directly beside the dumpster on Tuesday’s at 9:30am as the garbage truck doesn’t have access to pick up the dumpster. The first couple times he was friendlier about it, but not as friendly the last time. We appreciate it, thank you.

Tuesday, April 29th, 2025

Focus:

2 x 800m Run

*may adjust depending on the weather.

WOD:

For Time:
50 - 40 - 30 - 20 - 10
DU's
Walking Lunges

Check back each night at 8pm for the next days WOD .
Contact us: Address: 200 Mountain Rd #3, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V5 Phone: (705) 444-0006 Follow us on Instagram @crossfit_indestri