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".
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.
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.
