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.
I completely agree with Fort. While I believe running is overall the best exercise for the body (minus the risk of grave immediate injury) it really does very little for your swimming. The possible exception might be some run sprint training. Primarily, as Fort states, running destroys ankles. If you stop running and put that time to kicking, you'll be a convert.
While many things might compliment swimming training, nothing substitutes for the actual activity itself.
The one curious part of running is that if you take up serious running, you lose weight. This, in turn, probably helps your swimming. But, the weight loss helps, not the actual running, but it is sort of a chicken and egg conundrum.
I completely agree with Fort. While I believe running is overall the best exercise for the body (minus the risk of grave immediate injury) it really does very little for your swimming. The possible exception might be some run sprint training. Primarily, as Fort states, running destroys ankles. If you stop running and put that time to kicking, you'll be a convert.
While many things might compliment swimming training, nothing substitutes for the actual activity itself.
The one curious part of running is that if you take up serious running, you lose weight. This, in turn, probably helps your swimming. But, the weight loss helps, not the actual running, but it is sort of a chicken and egg conundrum.
