Mop My Run - Is Housework Cross Training?

Starting out this morning for my "easy" run, I realized how many "trash"miles I've been putting in - just because I love to run the mileage! Training smart is a different matter all together, and I'm finding the discipline of the Higdon program to be just what I need to stay motivated for that fall challenge.

The 8 miler went pretty well - though I did start to feel that same old knee soreness around mile 5. Nothing a frozen bag of peas won't cure!

My other issue of course, is the fact that it's tough for me to find a route that's relatively flat. I've gotten used to having to tame the 15 percent grade beast at the end of every run - but add to that the killer 20% grade in the middle of my run this morning and it's brutal! Ah what I wouldn't give right now for a flat desert road and and a low hanging sky!

I did have one indiscretion this week...ok two...but the thing with the Trader Joe's Nutty Trail Mix last night is better forgotten. I was supposed to cross train yesterday, but found myself faced with a REALLY disgusting, dirty house. I started cleaning and before I knew it it was 4:00 PM and I was in no mood to swim for an hour. Thing is, I noticed I was actually pretty sore after cleaning. So that made me start to wonder...does housework count as cross-training?

Well, here's the scoop - courtesy of Marjorie O'Conner:

Calories Burned Per Hour (130 POUND WOMAN)

Scrubbing Floors, Tubs
377
Mopping
221
Window Washing
208
Polishing Furniture
168
Sweeping
162
Vacuuming
162
Cooking
162
Dusting
144
Ironing (Does ANYONE do this anymore?)
114

Done at a brisk pace, housework is terrific cross-training exercise according to O'Conner. Well, my guilt is somewhat alleviated.

Next week will be the real test - my mileage increases and I have to finish up the week with a race-pace 6.321 on Sunday. We'll see...

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