Modern training approaches to preparing for the marathon involve much more than just running. Strength training, flexibility work like yoga and aerobic cross training all feature heavily in the modern runners schedule. Over the last couple of days I have tried to condition my body in other ways other than pounding the pavement.

On tuesday night I went to a trampoline park in North Austin to bounce around for about half an hour. In all honesty it didn't feel like training, it just felt like fun but the soreness I felt the next day in my lower body indicated it did have clear strengthening effects too. I first saw these trampoline workouts in a UFC All Access show featuring a 'day in the life' of Randy Couture, the MMA legend. They have the benefit of mimicking movements commonly used in sports like running and jumping but without the constant harsh impacts. Hopefully I can sneak some photos in next time, it's quite a unique experience.

My next alternative conditioning session also featured no impact and was also fun (notice a trend). Swimming outdoors in the Texan heat is always a pleasure, especially in the spring fed waters of Deep Eddy near downtown Austin. This pool is simply fantastic, cool year round and no hint of chlorine-certainly the best public pool I have ever encountered in a large city.

So with my body reinvigorated from cross training, I will look to tackle a long run on Thursday evening, running around sunset to dodge higher temperatures.