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.
As an older athlete (56) I have also found that I have to consider my recovery ability more than in the past. I had trouble scheduling heavy lifting and serious swimming because it sometimes took me 48 hours to recuperate from a heavy lifting session. I decided to prioritize swimming so I dropped heavy lifting. I think that I would have the same problem juggling running with swimming, although I realize that triathletes do it. Luckily, I do not have this problem because I don't like running.
As an older athlete (56) I have also found that I have to consider my recovery ability more than in the past. I had trouble scheduling heavy lifting and serious swimming because it sometimes took me 48 hours to recuperate from a heavy lifting session. I decided to prioritize swimming so I dropped heavy lifting. I think that I would have the same problem juggling running with swimming, although I realize that triathletes do it. Luckily, I do not have this problem because I don't like running.
