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
The problem with running as a means of improving swimming, is that ideally, one has to prepare carefully for a run training regiment.
Here are few recommendations :
- Ideally, consult a specialist. My english isn't good enough to tell you which specialist. But it should be someone specialized in shoe insole. This is in case your leg isn't in perfect alignment.
- Buy new running shoes. Don't take an old pair that you have in the basement. You need specialized shoes. The aforementioned specialist should be able to tell you if you need neutral or self-corrective shoes.
- Replace them on a regular basis
- Start a run training regiment by gradually building up the volume. You may start by as low as 15min 2 or 3 times/week. And add let's say 5min every week.
- Should you ever feel the slightest pain, lower the volume and/or perform some running in alternance with walking (www.jeffgalloway.com/.../marathon.html)
Bare in mind that running is biomechanically opposite to swimming. Great runners don't usually make good swimmers vice-versa. More specifically, the problem is the ankles. What you expect from them as a freestyle swimmer is totally the opposite as what you expect from them a runner.
Too many people recommend running as a means to improve fitness regardless of those important details. It's the case of most physed teachers, and poorly paid gym kinesiologists who don't hesitate to recommend it to overweight people on a treadmill, 30min in a row at the time with poor running shoes. A shame really !
The problem with running as a means of improving swimming, is that ideally, one has to prepare carefully for a run training regiment.
Here are few recommendations :
- Ideally, consult a specialist. My english isn't good enough to tell you which specialist. But it should be someone specialized in shoe insole. This is in case your leg isn't in perfect alignment.
- Buy new running shoes. Don't take an old pair that you have in the basement. You need specialized shoes. The aforementioned specialist should be able to tell you if you need neutral or self-corrective shoes.
- Replace them on a regular basis
- Start a run training regiment by gradually building up the volume. You may start by as low as 15min 2 or 3 times/week. And add let's say 5min every week.
- Should you ever feel the slightest pain, lower the volume and/or perform some running in alternance with walking (www.jeffgalloway.com/.../marathon.html)
Bare in mind that running is biomechanically opposite to swimming. Great runners don't usually make good swimmers vice-versa. More specifically, the problem is the ankles. What you expect from them as a freestyle swimmer is totally the opposite as what you expect from them a runner.
Too many people recommend running as a means to improve fitness regardless of those important details. It's the case of most physed teachers, and poorly paid gym kinesiologists who don't hesitate to recommend it to overweight people on a treadmill, 30min in a row at the time with poor running shoes. A shame really !
