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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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.
Lindsay, good question/point.
The ratio of training to racing (even for long distance swimmers) is huge.
I think I would burn out if I didn't look forward to some small victory in every practice session (or at least every week). Knowing that friday is stroke (swimming) day keeps me psyched all week.
I have read statistics that only 30% +/- of masters swimmers are actively participating in competition. In that regard, this forum fails to represent the usms population for whom being in good enough shape to practice/train more is a perfectly desirable end product
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.
Lindsay, good question/point.
The ratio of training to racing (even for long distance swimmers) is huge.
I think I would burn out if I didn't look forward to some small victory in every practice session (or at least every week). Knowing that friday is stroke (swimming) day keeps me psyched all week.
I have read statistics that only 30% +/- of masters swimmers are actively participating in competition. In that regard, this forum fails to represent the usms population for whom being in good enough shape to practice/train more is a perfectly desirable end product
