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.
my events are 100/200 back....100 fly....100/200 IM. I rely heavily on my underwater work, which in turn leads to endurance so i can survive the whole event after so much underwater fly. I kick a lot during practice, but for me, and this is me personally, that extra work by running or in the weight room has helped. that's just me and my experience. to each his - or her - own. :cool:
Lisa, to each his or her own indeed! I'm glad it has worked for you personally. My point simply is that I think working on your underwater kick is going garner more benefits than running. Basically, that running is not a subsitute for swimming. I do think running helps with overall fitness, but I am not sure if has physiological gains for swimming.
All that being said, I talked to one of the Physical Therapists I work with about this and he said that it would help with cardiovascular fitness, but that any swimming gains need to be made in the pool because it is too sport specific. He also said swimming is a better cardio workout because of the use arms!
I would run as cross training simply to increase fitness levels if I could but my back can't handle it ...
my events are 100/200 back....100 fly....100/200 IM. I rely heavily on my underwater work, which in turn leads to endurance so i can survive the whole event after so much underwater fly. I kick a lot during practice, but for me, and this is me personally, that extra work by running or in the weight room has helped. that's just me and my experience. to each his - or her - own. :cool:
Lisa, to each his or her own indeed! I'm glad it has worked for you personally. My point simply is that I think working on your underwater kick is going garner more benefits than running. Basically, that running is not a subsitute for swimming. I do think running helps with overall fitness, but I am not sure if has physiological gains for swimming.
All that being said, I talked to one of the Physical Therapists I work with about this and he said that it would help with cardiovascular fitness, but that any swimming gains need to be made in the pool because it is too sport specific. He also said swimming is a better cardio workout because of the use arms!
I would run as cross training simply to increase fitness levels if I could but my back can't handle it ...
