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.
I am still not sure with these answers. Does cross-training with running help swimming? Is there a real answer of yes or no?
The answer depends on whether you are a "trained" swimmer or not.
If you are a trained swimmer then no. So Ian Crocker, Michael Phelps, professional triathletes, running does nothing for their swimming.
On the other hand an untrained swimmer, then yes. If you are getting up from the couch, then any activity you do will improve your swimming.
The question becomes whether or not you are a "trained" athlete. Each of us has to answer that question on their own. Or do a bit of mathematical modeling to figure it out.
To expound on the theory behind it, it's a matter of central and peripheral adaptations and whether they are your limiter.
For untrained athletes your heart and lungs hold you back. You simply can't oxygenate and pump blood fast enough to supply your muscles. But after training for a while your heart and lungs are up to the task and next limiter is your muscles ability to process the oxygen that comes to it. These adaptations take longer and are more specific.
These muscle specific adaptations don't transfer from running to swimming. SO it just boils down to which stage of conditioning you are in.
I am still not sure with these answers. Does cross-training with running help swimming? Is there a real answer of yes or no?
The answer depends on whether you are a "trained" swimmer or not.
If you are a trained swimmer then no. So Ian Crocker, Michael Phelps, professional triathletes, running does nothing for their swimming.
On the other hand an untrained swimmer, then yes. If you are getting up from the couch, then any activity you do will improve your swimming.
The question becomes whether or not you are a "trained" athlete. Each of us has to answer that question on their own. Or do a bit of mathematical modeling to figure it out.
To expound on the theory behind it, it's a matter of central and peripheral adaptations and whether they are your limiter.
For untrained athletes your heart and lungs hold you back. You simply can't oxygenate and pump blood fast enough to supply your muscles. But after training for a while your heart and lungs are up to the task and next limiter is your muscles ability to process the oxygen that comes to it. These adaptations take longer and are more specific.
These muscle specific adaptations don't transfer from running to swimming. SO it just boils down to which stage of conditioning you are in.
