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.
A few years ago, I decided to train for and run a marathon. I still swam everyday, as well. My coach said that swimming would help my running because of the aerobic benefits, but that running wouldn't necessarily help my swimming. This is just personal experience and not scientific, but I found that to be true. I finished the marathon even though I was really undertrained from a purely running standpoint, and I think that was because of my swimming base. However, the running training didn't seem to affect my swimming -- except as someone mentioned, it helped a bit mentally. When I'd swim the 200 ***, I'd tell myself, "You ran 10 miles last night, so you can certainly stand less than three minutes of pain now!"
Now I run a bit for fun and to do the occasional 5K, but swimming is my focus. It's just that after swimming with my team early in the morning, I sit at a desk all day, and no matter how hard I worked in the morning, it still seems nice to move around when I get home. Running's convenient and can give a good workout in a fairly short amount of time. Anyway, this isn't really anything new from what others have said, but I thought I would share my experience. :agree:
Kevin in MD:
I'm sorry. I thought from your comments that you weren't a triathlete because you spoke so generically of triathletes in the third person.
Triathletes do get a bum rap here sometimes, to be sure. I think it's mostly because it can sometimes be difficult for swimmers to train with swimmer-triathletes and vice versa. Their focus is so different. For example, I'm a stroker. I don't even like freestyle that much. But hopefully a good masters coach would separate the lanes and practices to suit the individuals.
I myself don't do triathlons because I don't like bikes or having to worry about fixing/buying/maintaining fancy expensive bikes or getting hit while on said bike. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with a triathlon/runner son, so it's headed my way.
P.S. I will admit to being a total Tour de France junkie. It's on every night at my house.
Chlorini:
I agree with you completely. I felt like swimming helped my running because my lungs were in good shape. But the reverse doesn't seem to be true for me (except strong legs for starts).
As a former runner who gave it up for many reasons, the main ones being that it was no longer fun and it made my feet and knees ache, I know I won't run even if there is a proven benefit. I'll stick with yoga and the weight room.
BTW Lisa,
My secretary thinks the joke was pretty good, too.
It lools like nobody else is interested in the answer, so tell me.
Thank you, for your curiousity!!
The snail goes "weeeeeeee!"
(pause for laughter)
you know, because the turtle is so fast....:rofl:
Thats good.Tell some more.
For cross training for swimming I prefer the conept 2 rowing machine. Very low impact, increases strength and is a great aerobic workout.
Poolrat:
My son has a huge poster of Billy Mills winning the 10,000 at the 1964 Olympics and has watched that movie of his, Runnign Brave, a zillion times. It is an inspiring story. But Salazar is the man. Have you read Duel in the Sun? A great book!
