Running. Does it help your swimming or is it an interesting diversion? A lot of people here seem to cross train with running. (Some are obviously triathletes). USS teams now have their swimmers running. But does running really help swimming?
For me, I'm not so sure. I think it helps a bit on the cardio side and may build leg strength. I do it to tighten everything up, because I like being outside and it gives my shoulders a break. But I'm not sure I wouldn't be better off with more pool time if my body could take it.
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Former Member
Lisa, you are talking about club days when you swam a lot more than we do in masters. I think for masters swimmers the benefit will be found in more pool workouts. How many track stars are getting into the pool to swim a few times a week?
who knew this would turn into a debate?
I know masters swimmers who swim just as much as I did/do in my current "club days". We don't see track stars getting into the pool to swim a few times a week because they don't use their arms like we do. We use our legs like they do. Strong legs and strong kicks are what has helped me have such a succesfull underwater kick, fast turns and strong breastroke pullouts. ANY swimmer (not just club swimmers) can benefit from strenghtening of muscles. Weak swimmers are not fast swimmers. I would hope to think masters swimmers would want to get faster and not get stuck in a rut or not be strong enough to complete a 500 or a mile or a 3000 for time.
just my two cents.
Lisa, you are talking about club days when you swam a lot more than we do in masters. I think for masters swimmers the benefit will be found in more pool workouts. How many track stars are getting into the pool to swim a few times a week?
who knew this would turn into a debate?
I know masters swimmers who swim just as much as I did/do in my current "club days". We don't see track stars getting into the pool to swim a few times a week because they don't use their arms like we do. We use our legs like they do. Strong legs and strong kicks are what has helped me have such a succesfull underwater kick, fast turns and strong breastroke pullouts. ANY swimmer (not just club swimmers) can benefit from strenghtening of muscles. Weak swimmers are not fast swimmers. I would hope to think masters swimmers would want to get faster and not get stuck in a rut or not be strong enough to complete a 500 or a mile or a 3000 for time.
just my two cents.
