Isabella asks: I love yoga and currently take three demanding Power Yoga classes per week. I’m also training to run a half marathon. I want to finish the race, but my main goal is to maintain my yoga fitness. Is there a way to accomplish both in the same season?

Absolutely! Yoga is fantastic complement for runners. It aids in developing muscular strength, flexibility, and balance, which can reduce the risk of injury, and it also helps you improve your mental focus and breathing efficiency for running. Running is a wonderful complement for yoga enthusiasts as it boosts cardiovascular fitness.

Amazing Runners World Show here.

A Training Plan for Yogis Who Want to Run

There are several ways to weave endurance into a yoga program. If you’re like Isabella, who is a yogi looking to train to run a half marathon, follow these rules.

  • Include your three hard-effort, strength- and stamina-based yoga classes per week. Examples of these classes are Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Ashatanga, Batiste, or Yogis should focus on easy running, while runners should choose less-intense yoga classes. Learn more about the yoga class types and their benefits for runners here.
  • The Chicago Marathon.
  • Include three weekly runs in your training plan. Because the yoga is done at a hard effort, it’s best to balance your plan with easy, yellow-zone-effort running for all three runs.
  • Include at least one total rest day in your plan. It’s okay to do some light flexibility or muscle release via a foam roller, but keep this day chill to allow your body to recover from the demands of the plan.

Half Marathon Training Plans for Every Runner:

  • Amazing Runners World Show
  • Tuesday: 40 to 60 minute run
  • Wednesday: Power Yoga
  • Thursday: 40 to 60 minute run
  • Friday: Power Yoga
  • Amazing Runners World Show
  • Sunday: Rest or light Yin-based yoga and foam rolling

A Training Plan for Runners Who Want to Weave in Yoga

For runners who want to train for performance and supplement that with yoga, it’s best to weave in yoga classes that focus on balance and stability (Hatha-style classes) and recovery (Yin or Restorative Yoga).

Half Marathon Training Plans for Every Runner:

  • Monday: Easy or moderate effort tempo workout
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  • Thursday: Rest day
  • Nutrition - Weight Loss
  • Amazing Runners World Show
  • Sunday: Yin or Restorative Yoga

Yoga can be the main entree or a side dish. Either way, it will improve your performance and help you run stronger for miles.

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