Does cross-training with running help swimming?

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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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Very good Joshua, I did rowing, canoeing, cycling, and played basket ball. The main word here is if and it should be maybe. 1, 2, 3, 4 may come true it also may not come true. Again, I disagree (on the running at least... not a lot of skiing in FL) Here is why... 1. If I drop weight from running (endurance running) and my speed increases in the water from having a lower profile, then I have improved my swimming. 2. If I increase the power of my starts/turns/kick, etc. from track sprinting and improve my times then I have improved my swimming. 3. If I can build my mental toughness from working through the pain a track sprint workout and then transfer this mental toughness to my swimming then I have improved my swimming. 4. If running keeps me from getting burned out in the water then it improves my swimming.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Very good Joshua, I did rowing, canoeing, cycling, and played basket ball. The main word here is if and it should be maybe. 1, 2, 3, 4 may come true it also may not come true. Again, I disagree (on the running at least... not a lot of skiing in FL) Here is why... 1. If I drop weight from running (endurance running) and my speed increases in the water from having a lower profile, then I have improved my swimming. 2. If I increase the power of my starts/turns/kick, etc. from track sprinting and improve my times then I have improved my swimming. 3. If I can build my mental toughness from working through the pain a track sprint workout and then transfer this mental toughness to my swimming then I have improved my swimming. 4. If running keeps me from getting burned out in the water then it improves my swimming.
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