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 2 cents worth:
I think running is a good cardio replacement to use if your shoulders are sore or twingy. After all an injured swimmer is pretty useless in a swimming race. A swimmer that suffers from terminally shot shoulders could even work a regular run or two into their weekly training to keep the stress off their shoulders but still maintain a good aerobic base.
With that said I will say that slogging (running long and slow ie 8:00 per mile or slower) will probably NOT enhance a swimmers aerobic capacity. (unless they are an equally slow swimmer).
Treadmill running is approximately :24 seconds per mile slower than the said pace the readout gives you. The treadmill is actually doing some of the "foot on the ground" work for you so it takes much less effort.
Okay, I know I'm going to get blasted for that.....but it is true! :afraid:
My 2 cents worth:
I think running is a good cardio replacement to use if your shoulders are sore or twingy. After all an injured swimmer is pretty useless in a swimming race. A swimmer that suffers from terminally shot shoulders could even work a regular run or two into their weekly training to keep the stress off their shoulders but still maintain a good aerobic base.
With that said I will say that slogging (running long and slow ie 8:00 per mile or slower) will probably NOT enhance a swimmers aerobic capacity. (unless they are an equally slow swimmer).
Treadmill running is approximately :24 seconds per mile slower than the said pace the readout gives you. The treadmill is actually doing some of the "foot on the ground" work for you so it takes much less effort.
Okay, I know I'm going to get blasted for that.....but it is true! :afraid:
