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.
Parents
Former Member
I don't see how one's swimming performances can significantly benefit from either running or cycling, unless the subject is really 'unfit' swimming-wise.
8 years of coaching in triathlon and in swimming at elite level had lead me to this belief.
If I was was kept away from a pool for more than a week, and was given access to a gym, I would probably ergocycle for 30min and then would switch to a circuit-training mainly aimed at improving/maintaining upperbody muscular endurance.
I'd probably favor surgical rubber tubes to mimic swimming-like movements (link 1), chin ups to keep a healthy latissimus dorsi fitness (back muscles), dips and pushups for triceps and chest. I'd do abdominals and plenty of stretching too (link 2). All that at a uninterrupted rate so that a "minimal cardiovascular" activity be maintained thoughout the circuit training.
Last thing I'd do to keep swimming up to date : running.
Link 1 (tubing) : www.tritalk.co.uk/.../viewtopic.php
Link 2 (stretching) : www.tritalk.co.uk/.../viewtopic.php
I don't see how one's swimming performances can significantly benefit from either running or cycling, unless the subject is really 'unfit' swimming-wise.
8 years of coaching in triathlon and in swimming at elite level had lead me to this belief.
If I was was kept away from a pool for more than a week, and was given access to a gym, I would probably ergocycle for 30min and then would switch to a circuit-training mainly aimed at improving/maintaining upperbody muscular endurance.
I'd probably favor surgical rubber tubes to mimic swimming-like movements (link 1), chin ups to keep a healthy latissimus dorsi fitness (back muscles), dips and pushups for triceps and chest. I'd do abdominals and plenty of stretching too (link 2). All that at a uninterrupted rate so that a "minimal cardiovascular" activity be maintained thoughout the circuit training.
Last thing I'd do to keep swimming up to date : running.
Link 1 (tubing) : www.tritalk.co.uk/.../viewtopic.php
Link 2 (stretching) : www.tritalk.co.uk/.../viewtopic.php
