OK, how many people on here would rather be a runner than a swimmer, but due to injuries or something else have been forced to turn to a sport that has less impact on the body?
I swim as cross training for running. I found that every day running did not work for me(although I would love to if I could) but 3 times per week does even with high mileage.
I do love swimming and the feeling after a good workout, however, for me, it cannot compare to the feeling of running. It is so much more relaxing and provides better "thinking time than swimming".
OK, how many people on here would rather be a runner than a swimmer, but due to injuries or something else have been forced to turn to a sport that has less impact on the body?
I swim as cross training for running. I found that every day running did not work for me(although I would love to if I could) but 3 times per week does even with high mileage.
I do love swimming and the feeling after a good workout, however, for me, it cannot compare to the feeling of running. It is so much more relaxing and provides better "thinking time than swimming".
I was a somewhat successful runner growing up and in college competing in mid-distance events. I really enjoyed running. I also have really horrible feet, which eventually caused the running to be painful rather than enjoyable. I started swimming a little over a year ago now and I am completely hooked. Given the choice, I would always choose a swim over a run now. I've always loved being in the water, now I get to experience the oxygen deprivation I always loved while in the water! It just doesn't get any better! Plus, my feet/ankles don't hurt anymore (except when they cramp at the end of a long workout)!:applaud:
And I think that there are several 'signature' events in both running and in swimming. I think the signature event is the mile (or the 1500m), but my wife thinks anything over 400m is torture, so she thinks the 100m is the signature event. And I count two 'signature' events thus far in this thread, the 50 free and the 400 im. I think it's just a matter of perspective!
After being in the army for 4 years and pretty much having to run on a regular schedule (like M-F), I took several years off after and spent most of my time swimming and lifting. I didn't like the running in formation, basically being at the pace of the slowest person. I kept thinking that I had screwed up my knees, ankles, feet, you name it I thought up a reason not to run.
About 2 years ago for some reason, I got the itch to start running again. I started with 2 miles, then slowly built up (and breaks/vacations put a damper on the building up) to 11 or so miles now. I'm certainly not breaking any records, but I like the feeling of being able to put on my running shoes and go when/where/why/how I like -v- swimming, where it is a process of going to the pool, changing, etc. I usually run 3x week, and it is something I can easily do while traveling. I HATE treadmills, I'll tolerate one for about 2 miles, it is just too easy to stop when I get bored. When I do an out/back run, I figure I'd have to get back again somehow, so I might as well run it.
The feeling of just running out in the desert is fantastic. Nothing compares to the sunsets I've seen over Camelback Mountain on a March evening, after a tough day of work...or the snow in the mountains on a crisp Sunday morning when I'm down in the desert running in shorts/t-shirt. Summer runs here in the Phoenix are a challenge; I've gotten up at 5 am to get runs in and will sometimes switch my swim to the evening.
Since I've gotten my iPod Nano and Nike+, I've become more motivated to run more often, uploading my runs, checking my pace over the course of the run, etc. The Nike site is top-notch, keeps track of my fastest 1k/1m/longest runs, etc, with motivational tips from top runners when I finish. I've joined virtual challenges with/against runners from around the world. The Nike forums are also robust, as good as this USMS forum.
The only thing in swimming that has come this close to the freedom of running was my lame attempt at an open water swim. It was a 2.4 mile (or thereabouts) in Tempe Town Lake. I just like the feeling of going somewhere when I'm moving (running or swimming), and running gives that to me much easier.
I would rather swim 26.2 miles than run a 5k.
Word.
Here's two more reasons swimming is vastly harder and vastly superior to running. First, swimming is the gatekeeper sport to triathlons, not running. Every single runner and biker I know says swimming is the sole reason they can't do triathlons. I may blow at running and biking but it's not like those are holding me back.
Second, all runners will someday state "if I get too tired during a race I can always stop and walk." Good luck doing that with swimming. I think that is maybe what stud does on his backstroke flip turns, as a counterpoint to my assertion.
I don't like running, but I think aztimm touched on some good points. Running is something you can do damn near any time, any place. You can't say that about swimming. Also, you can look at beautiful scenery while running. Yeah, there's open water swimming, but generally while you're swimming you can't see much. There are exceptions, but most of us don't live in Hawaii or Bonaire.
I don't like running, but I think aztimm touched on some good points. Running is something you can do damn near any time, any place. You can't say that about swimming. Also, you can look at beautiful scenery while running. Yeah, there's open water swimming, but generally while you're swimming you can't see much. There are exceptions, but most of us don't live in Hawaii or Bonaire.
Exactly, I had some fantastic ocean swims while I was in Hawaii in Oct/Nov. I remember I was trying to get across an inlet, but I kept stopping to see all the coral and colorful fish, just when I'd get going again I'd see a turtle. It sure beat the back/forth I'm used to in a 25 yd pool.
Since I travel a bit (for both work and pleasure), it is a heck of alot easier to ask the front desk clerk at a hotel about running paths (they usually have some great info) -v- where the nearest pool is (oh, you don't like the one we have? the one filled with kids that is about 15 ft across?)
If it wasn't for the team environment, I really don't know how I'd keep myself sane swimming.
If it wasn't for the team environment, I really don't know how I'd keep myself sane swimming.
I'll agree with you there. I've not tried any open water swimming yet, but I might get lost if I zone out like I used to on long runs! The team part of swimming is awesome. I don't know that I would have stuck with swimming long enough to get somewhat proficient at it without a team.
Swimming? Hawaii? I am definitely envious!
Anyone can run...
For once I agree with Geek
I only used to run because of playing football...now...I'd rather not subject my back, knees and ankles to that pounding.
Aquageek, I didn't mean to tick you off :whiteflag:, but you haven't run much or you would realize it's more than one foot in front of the other. Quite a bit more, actually.
I'm a fairly new swimmer but because of my running endurance I'm able to swim for a long, long time. I have been thinking about entering a long race such as the Chesapeake Bay Swim. However, you are correct, I should swim somthing comparable to a marathon before passing judgement.
