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.
On this topic, I am both completely torn and completely confused. For me, the biggest benefit of cross training is keeping my interest in swimming high by diversifying my workouts. When I focus solely on swimming, as I am now, it does get a bit boring at times. However, when I was doing a lot of cross training, my swimming clearly suffered.
I will say I think weights and yoga or other stretch and strengthening program do have value both from a flexibility and injury prevention perspective. But, will running 20 miles a week help your swimming, no way, but it will help your running. The strength and conditioning coach at our club does a lot of explosive running and sled pulls, which I think is of great value, but that's really more what PWB and Elise are referring to versus a lot of long runs.
On this topic, I am both completely torn and completely confused. For me, the biggest benefit of cross training is keeping my interest in swimming high by diversifying my workouts. When I focus solely on swimming, as I am now, it does get a bit boring at times. However, when I was doing a lot of cross training, my swimming clearly suffered.
I will say I think weights and yoga or other stretch and strengthening program do have value both from a flexibility and injury prevention perspective. But, will running 20 miles a week help your swimming, no way, but it will help your running. The strength and conditioning coach at our club does a lot of explosive running and sled pulls, which I think is of great value, but that's really more what PWB and Elise are referring to versus a lot of long runs.
