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.
In Michael Phelps' new book, his coach says that they tried to add a three mile run to his pre-Olympic training regimen, but dropped it quickly because his knees/back hurt and it produced little return. I think he was in his late teens when he started weight lifting.
Here's another quote from a great new book:
Bill Bowerman: "When they add hills to a track, I'll have my athletes run hills in practice." :D
And P.S. I can't resist. I am perfectly happy cross training with fins too from time to time. I find it does wonders for my SDKs and my backstroke starts are no longer in the neanderthal stage. Fins also builds leg strength, ankle strength and ankle flexibility. I know runners who swim for cross training when injured or resting and they like to use fins for that reason.
In Michael Phelps' new book, his coach says that they tried to add a three mile run to his pre-Olympic training regimen, but dropped it quickly because his knees/back hurt and it produced little return. I think he was in his late teens when he started weight lifting.
Here's another quote from a great new book:
Bill Bowerman: "When they add hills to a track, I'll have my athletes run hills in practice." :D
And P.S. I can't resist. I am perfectly happy cross training with fins too from time to time. I find it does wonders for my SDKs and my backstroke starts are no longer in the neanderthal stage. Fins also builds leg strength, ankle strength and ankle flexibility. I know runners who swim for cross training when injured or resting and they like to use fins for that reason.
