Does cross-training with running help swimming?

You have made 4 "if then" statements. These are also known as conditionals i.e., the conclusion is dependent on the hypothesis being correct. In #1 there are two hypotheses: dropping weight from running, having a lower profile in the water and these resulting in increased speed (improved swimming). Possible problems: running long distances causes muscular atrophy, particularly in the upper body, which may result in slower times. Running may tire the legs resulting in slower swimming. Spending time running usually means less time swimming which may result in less swimming proficiency. Running results in less ankle flexibility. In #2 the hypothesis is that sprinting will positively effect starts/turns/kicks. I doubt that. The mechanics are totally different. I would propose that a more effective way of increasing push off speed is by doing exercises such as a push press, a jump squat etc. #3: why not build mental toughness by swimming long distances? #4: this statement has nothing to do specifically with running but with non-swimming activities. To go to a slight extreme you can say that playing chess will help your swimming because it prevents burnout. More seriously, you can say the same for basketball which, with all the jumping, would seem to me to have more carry over. At any rate, nothing here to logically support running specifically. You failed to notice that I qualified each statement with my/I and my conclusions are correct because based on my training I have increased my power, speed, lactate threshold, and core strength from running/sprinting. You seem to really miss the point that targeted cross-training can be beneficial. Yes, I do box jumps/plyo, targeted weight training focusing on explosive movements to build strength, power and core stabilization, as well as strengthening regiment to keep my shoulders healthy, I do this in addition stretching and a little bit of gung fu. I have the benefit of having a CSCS/PT for a wife who is pretty well versed on the subject and keeps my training on target. And honestly based on your statements about long-distance running its pretty obvious that you didn't read what I said about sprinting or being a sprinter. I don't think long distance running benefits swim sprinting but I do think that running sprints has benefits for sprinting swimmers. Just to comment on a few of your statements: 1. A track start is a track start either on the block or in the blocks. You need explosive power for both. 2. Running sprints helps me to maintain fast twitch muscle fibers. It also builds core strength/abs which you need for strong turns. The arm pumping/cross motion when you run sprints also mirrors the cross motion when you pull and again builds ab/core strength. Ab/core strength has also been shown to take pressure off the shoulders... I could go on. 3. Busting out a set of 40ies with a warm-up does not take but 45 minutes or so. Not a lot of time in the big picture 4. I do stretch to maintain flexibility (personally Im not all that worried about may ankle flexibility... my feet bend almost backwards) 5. Running sprints helps build lactate threshold 6. Why would I want to swim distance to help with my sprinting? Totally different animal, totally different pain (mental toughness). 7. Yes, anything that will help with burnout is beneficial but the question mentioned running... So no, running sprints is not the be-all-end cross-training exercise. Its just one component that can benefit your power in the water.

You have made 4 "if then" statements. These are also known as conditionals i.e., the conclusion is dependent on the hypothesis being correct. In #1 there are two hypotheses: dropping weight from running, having a lower profile in the water and these resulting in increased speed (improved swimming). Possible problems: running long distances causes muscular atrophy, particularly in the upper body, which may result in slower times. Running may tire the legs resulting in slower swimming. Spending time running usually means less time swimming which may result in less swimming proficiency. Running results in less ankle flexibility. In #2 the hypothesis is that sprinting will positively effect starts/turns/kicks. I doubt that. The mechanics are totally different. I would propose that a more effective way of increasing push off speed is by doing exercises such as a push press, a jump squat etc. #3: why not build mental toughness by swimming long distances? #4: this statement has nothing to do specifically with running but with non-swimming activities. To go to a slight extreme you can say that playing chess will help your swimming because it prevents burnout. More seriously, you can say the same for basketball which, with all the jumping, would seem to me to have more carry over. At any rate, nothing here to logically support running specifically. You failed to notice that I qualified each statement with my/I and my conclusions are correct because based on my training I have increased my power, speed, lactate threshold, and core strength from running/sprinting. You seem to really miss the point that targeted cross-training can be beneficial. Yes, I do box jumps/plyo, targeted weight training focusing on explosive movements to build strength, power and core stabilization, as well as strengthening regiment to keep my shoulders healthy, I do this in addition stretching and a little bit of gung fu. I have the benefit of having a CSCS/PT for a wife who is pretty well versed on the subject and keeps my training on target. And honestly based on your statements about long-distance running its pretty obvious that you didn't read what I said about sprinting or being a sprinter. I don't think long distance running benefits swim sprinting but I do think that running sprints has benefits for sprinting swimmers. Just to comment on a few of your statements: 1. A track start is a track start either on the block or in the blocks. You need explosive power for both. 2. Running sprints helps me to maintain fast twitch muscle fibers. It also builds core strength/abs which you need for strong turns. The arm pumping/cross motion when you run sprints also mirrors the cross motion when you pull and again builds ab/core strength. Ab/core strength has also been shown to take pressure off the shoulders... I could go on. 3. Busting out a set of 40ies with a warm-up does not take but 45 minutes or so. Not a lot of time in the big picture 4. I do stretch to maintain flexibility (personally Im not all that worried about may ankle flexibility... my feet bend almost backwards) 5. Running sprints helps build lactate threshold 6. Why would I want to swim distance to help with my sprinting? Totally different animal, totally different pain (mental toughness). 7. Yes, anything that will help with burnout is beneficial but the question mentioned running... So no, running sprints is not the be-all-end cross-training exercise. Its just one component that can benefit your power in the water.