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.
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Former Member
One of the problems with these discussions is that you get different people talking about different things. For example, by their wording some people seem to be arguing on whether any form of cross training is helpful while others are talking specifically about whether running is useful.
Here's a possibly whacko theory. Gary Hall Jr. is on the record that he thinks swimming long "aerobic" sets is harmful to sprinters because those types of sets have an adverse effect on developing the perfect technique that is essential to top notch sprinting. Now, if the theory is that aerobic exercise is important, even for sprinters, then perhaps it is a good idea to get that aerobic exercise in ways that don't interfere with always maintaining perfect technique in the pool?
I have actually wondered why the mega metres are necessary for people who compete in such short distances. Are all those metres really about being in good enough shape to practice more so than to actually race? I know I would have to be in much better shape than I am if I wanted to do all the choice/specialty sets as good quality butterfly.
One of the problems with these discussions is that you get different people talking about different things. For example, by their wording some people seem to be arguing on whether any form of cross training is helpful while others are talking specifically about whether running is useful.
Here's a possibly whacko theory. Gary Hall Jr. is on the record that he thinks swimming long "aerobic" sets is harmful to sprinters because those types of sets have an adverse effect on developing the perfect technique that is essential to top notch sprinting. Now, if the theory is that aerobic exercise is important, even for sprinters, then perhaps it is a good idea to get that aerobic exercise in ways that don't interfere with always maintaining perfect technique in the pool?
I have actually wondered why the mega metres are necessary for people who compete in such short distances. Are all those metres really about being in good enough shape to practice more so than to actually race? I know I would have to be in much better shape than I am if I wanted to do all the choice/specialty sets as good quality butterfly.
