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.
For the record, I can kick your tail in every facet of a tri (and I highly disagree with the train hard or go home sentiment. I prefer to train smart, but that might be expecting too much from you!).
Well, I have no doubt that is true. Maybe if you show up in Atlanta we can settle it in the pool, or will your widdle wunning wegs be too sore from your jogging to get to the ATL?
Swim, then swim, and then swim some more. If we were meant to run we would have been born with runnunig shoes on our feet.
I agree for the most part, but most would run (rather swim) into burnout. Its nice to get out of the pool when the weather in nice and enjoy some other scenery. Its as good for your mental health as it is your physical!
In addition to targeted weights/plyo/stretching I have found running intervals/sprinting beneficial. I know my starts and turns have more power and my swimming in general feels stronger when this is part of my routine. I will say that I consider myself a sprinter so it makes sense to mirror the events I am swimming.
As the OP, I will just note that since I have essentially given up running, I've become a better swimmer. I get more bang for my buck with core-based weights/plyos/drylands and I hammer the legs in the pool. If I attempt to add running on top of that, my legs get overtrained right away and the quality of my swimming workouts deteriorates.
I consider you a semi-expert on this Fort because I know you are in-tune with how you feel and you compete at a pretty high level. Well that and I agree with you. I have more or less changed sports to triathlon and I have lost significant speed in the pool even though I am over all in better shape. My legs are just too tired to swim well.
A specific example:
Last August I did 3 x 500's in SCM on 6:40. I averaged 6:28. I started running 18-25 miles per week in September. Last week I did the set in yards and averaged 6:04. I do not have a SCM to SCM comparison, but I am quite certain I would be in the 6:45 range now so 3-4 seconds slower per 100.
I was typically swimming 15,000 per week last year, and now I am around 12,000 but in terms of overall conditioning I am doing MORE now (I have another kid on the way, so getting the training in now).
Why does running shread your legs so much more than say kicking?
I agree for the most part, but most would run (rather swim) into burnout. Its nice to get out of the pool when the weather in nice and enjoy some other scenery. Its as good for your mental health as it is your physical!
yes but that is what bicycles are for.
Yeah, you are a triathlete cause only a triathlete would make this statement. Within 10 seconds of speaking to a group of tris, you will hear one of the four following excuse statements:
I ran yesterday so my swimming today stinks.
I biked yesterday so my swimming stinks today.
I have to save my legs in swimming for the bike and run.
I can't swim hard today as I have a 95 mile ride this afternoon.
Go hard or go home. Stop the excuses.
For the record, I can kick your tail in every facet of a tri (and I highly disagree with the train hard or go home sentiment. I prefer to train smart, but that might be expecting too much from you!).
Well, I have no doubt that is true. Maybe if you show up in Atlanta we can settle it in the pool, or will your widdle wunning wegs be too sore from your jogging to get to the ATL?
Oh Geek, our pecking order in the pool has long since been settled...
PS: you started it!
