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.
This is an interesting coversation. What seems to jump out from the proponents of running is that they lose weight and their swimming improves. I contend the weight loss is more valuable than the running. There is absolutely nothing about running specifically that improves swimming, zip, zero, nada. The same amount of time dedicated to swimming training will yield better results. If you want proof, stop swimming for 4 months and run only and then see how your swimming is. This isn't to say running isn't enjoyable.
The elitist point is a good one, however. Swimming at a club with a Team Elite (Olympic hopefuls, Olympians and pro swimmers) I have adopted the point of view that they tend to know what they are doing and talking about. So, why not adopt what I can of theirs versus doing something else less efficient for the same amount of time? They are elite for a reason, learn from the best.
I agree with Fort, do what you want and what makes your workouts most enjoyable.
This is an interesting coversation. What seems to jump out from the proponents of running is that they lose weight and their swimming improves. I contend the weight loss is more valuable than the running. There is absolutely nothing about running specifically that improves swimming, zip, zero, nada. The same amount of time dedicated to swimming training will yield better results. If you want proof, stop swimming for 4 months and run only and then see how your swimming is. This isn't to say running isn't enjoyable.
The elitist point is a good one, however. Swimming at a club with a Team Elite (Olympic hopefuls, Olympians and pro swimmers) I have adopted the point of view that they tend to know what they are doing and talking about. So, why not adopt what I can of theirs versus doing something else less efficient for the same amount of time? They are elite for a reason, learn from the best.
I agree with Fort, do what you want and what makes your workouts most enjoyable.
