Track and field season is coming to a close but runners know that the dedication to the sport continues post-track season. Not going for a run for many runners is just not an option. While all runners need to do is lace up and hit the pavement, track, or trails, other sports can help with conditioning and building endurance when there are no weekly track practices.
Increasing running endurance can be effectively achieved through participating in various sports that complement and enhance cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and overall stamina.
Here are some sports and activities that can help improve running endurance:
Soccer
Soccer is a game all about running. Players need speed and endurance to stay in the game and dodge opponents as they make their way towards their team’s goal. It involves skills like agility and coordination. But most appealing is the fact that there is a load of running including lots of opportunities to sprint during plays.
Many soccer players end up joining a track or cross country team because they find that they are fast runners, enjoy running, or want to improve their running for soccer.
There are a few positions that specifically require a signification amount of running. These include central midfielders, wide midfielders, forwards, and fullbacks.
Basketball
Basketball is another sport that includes running while improving both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Players are constantly going back and forth on the court. They may need to sprint like when they are dribbling the ball or chasing after the opponent. Basketball can be more high intensity because of the continuous running, but this will be appealing for those looking to boost stamina.
Lacrosse/ Field Hockey
While these sports are different, they both do include running (with sticks!). Again, players are running back and forth across the field/ court. However, these sports tend to be a bit more aggressive and considered more of a contact sport compared to a sport like soccer. Still, lacrosse and field hockey players need to be decent runners to have the endurance to last a game.
Football
Football is a great sport for those looking for a fall sport to offset the spring track season. Football players do need to run a bit, especially running backs, wide receivers, and linebackers. Quarterbacks do need to have the speed and agility to run a play as well. While football players have some opportunities to run the length of the field, there is less running compared to soccer because of sacks.
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Swimming
Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that improves cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and lung capacity without the impact stress on joints. Swimming laps recreationally or as part of a swim team can help boost endurance while also working on upper body strength to balance out continuous working on leg muscles in running. Try adding in interval training with varying strokes to help increases stamina.
Rowing
Rowing provides a total body workout, targeting major muscle groups while significantly improving cardiovascular endurance and strength. Again, there is the main focus on the upper body to aid in full-body condition for runners while getting in a good cardio workout. Interval rowing workouts help enhance stamina.
Boxing
Boxing training, including sparring, bag work, and skipping, enhances cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and agility. Engage in boxing sessions that include continuous movement and high-intensity rounds to build endurance. This is a great sport for working on a core strength, which can help runners.
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Track and Field / Cross Country
These seem like obvious sports but runners may opt to join both teams. While track and field is usually held in late winter/early spring to summer, cross country typically starts late summer/early fall to winter. This allows runners to be on running teams year-long to avoid losing conditioning and to boost endurance.
Conclusion
All the sports mentioned above are great options for those interested in running because of the skill sets required. Players work on endurance, agility, speed, and endurance—all aspects that help make a well-rounded runner. Incorporating these sports and activities into your training regimen can provide variety, prevent burnout, and improve different aspects of your fitness, ultimately leading to enhanced running endurance.