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.
My own personal experience is that running has no effect on swimming except for GPP. I also feel that running could actually have a detrimental effect as far as ankle flexibility is concerned. Why not just do kicking sessions in the pool?
In a related point, I have also found that heavy squatting in the weight room has no positive effect on my swimming. In general I now feel that the major importance of dry land training is:
1. Strengthening agonist muscles used in swimming in order to improve stroke efficiency.
2. More importantly, strengthening their antagonists in order to prevent muscular imbalance and injuries.
My own personal experience is that running has no effect on swimming except for GPP. I also feel that running could actually have a detrimental effect as far as ankle flexibility is concerned. Why not just do kicking sessions in the pool?
In a related point, I have also found that heavy squatting in the weight room has no positive effect on my swimming. In general I now feel that the major importance of dry land training is:
1. Strengthening agonist muscles used in swimming in order to improve stroke efficiency.
2. More importantly, strengthening their antagonists in order to prevent muscular imbalance and injuries.
