How much elliptical training

In article said:

I've been a runner for quite sometime. I'm not very fast, but I've done a number of races at
various distances. For the first time in a while, I'm taking a break from running and am primarily
doing the elliptical trainer and weights, with the occasional spinning and pilates class. Any
suggestions on the how much, how many rpms, etc. to maintain close to my running fitness level?

A good rule of thumb would be to spend about the same amount of time doing your new cardio (spinning
and elliptical) as you would do running.

I'd recommend using the "cross training" machine which has the handles.

I don't have specific recommendations on tempo, except as a general rule, a high tempo with less
resistance is probably a good idea. I use 70-90 RPM. Basically do whatever keeps your heart rate up.

Another suggestion: you can do interval training on the elliptical just as you can with running. For
example, instead of doing 800m-1200m repeats on a track, you could do 3-5 minute repeats on the
elliptical.

Quoted message said:

I want to resume running again come December or January with the goal of doing the Chicago
Marathon in October (I've done marathons before, but slowly). I know I'll have to get back in
running shape regardless, but I'd like to get the maximum out of the elliptical in the meantime so
that re-starting running is relatively easy. Also, any suggestions for increasing my oxygen
intake, if that's what you call it, through cross training.

Intervals.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi pegasus.rutgers.edu~elflordOpen ↗

Careful...

My friend got a bad case of plantar fascillitas (sp) by doing too much too fast on an
elliptical machine.

They seem so harmless that she did too much too soon.

Then she couldn't run for months. Nasty stuff.

Donovan Rebbechi said:

I'd recommend using the "cross training" machine which has the handles.

Eliptical trainers all have handles.