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".
What?! Serious runners are seriously OCD.
For me, swimming is far the more technique driven sport. Thus, there are more opportunities for OCD-ness. Number of strokes per lap, breathing pattern, SDKs off each wall, kicks per stroke cycle, body rotation on every lap, etc etc etc, and this is BEFORE we start talking drills/kicking/pulling... heck, I'm just talking about freestyle. Unless you are swimming open water, you are in a controlled environment in which every other length is *exactly* the same, so you can go nuts focussing on these fun little tidbits of technique.
Not the case in running, though perhaps indoor track comes close. It didn't seem like badnees was alluding to track runners is his post, though. Appeared more like he was talking about zoning out running which is most likely to occur on trails, streets, the treadmill. Not many track runners zoning out during speedwork would be my guess.
Aquageek nailed it. Swimming is the more expensive sport simply because you need access to a pool*. If you look at the most basic of the required equipment (suit/cap/goggles vs. good running shoes), the cost of the equipment could probably go either way depending on your shoe requirements, how fast you go through suits, how cheap you find your suits, etc.
*In most parts of the country. I guess if you lived somewhere warm within walking distance of a clean and safe body of water, you could argue swimming has the same accessibility as running. Sadly, very VERY few of us are in this locale.
OK, let me add a wrinkle to this discussion:
Which is more expensive, running or swimming?
for me - running has been much more expensive, although I don't swim a lot of competitive events so not many enty fees.
I buy a new pair of running shoes about every 3-4 months or about 300 miles. Yes, I could get $150+ running shoes, but I usually settle for something about $70. I get about 3 new running shirts a year (with the wicking material), maybe $15-20 each (Kohl's clearance), maybe 6 pairs of running socks a year, $15. I've had the same shorts for years, and have a few, these don't seem to wear at all. So in a year I'd guess roughly $400.
For swimming, my dues are ~$65/month, then about 4 suits a year ($15 each), 4 goggles a year ($10 each), puts that at about $900/year.
So not counting any races, meets, etc. Just to workout in each, swimming is over twice what running costs me, and the majority of that is for the team dues. Sure, I could join a running club and run with a group, but I like my freedom to run what I want, when I want, where I want. Occasionally I'll happen upon a group and run with them for a mile or so, but after having to run with a group in the Army, I like running solo. More often, I'll plan to run with someone on my own, either who I work with (although they do it once then flake out after that), or who I swim with (we have lots of triathletes).
Since I use my iPod for more than just running (it is a necessity for travel), I don't count that. I guess the Nike+ thing I could count for running tho, I think it was $30 and will last a few years.
It would be helpful if you compared apples to apples. You are comparing simple non competitive, non team swimming to full blown competitive running. If you want to compare accurately, add in meet costs, coach costs, USMS costs, real gear costs, travel costs, etc. For example, you cannot compare $350 worth of shoes, which is at least 2 pairs of top quality running shoes to $11 worth of crappy grab bag lycra suits.
Boy, I'd kill for $150/year for a pool. That's super cheap.
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 here my thoughts. I ran almost exclusively for about 10yrs (would swim once a week as cross training). I loved running primarily because the scenery is better than doing laps. Running is a great workout, but its more of a endurance thing. Swimming is not only endurance but technique. Swimming is like golf, you don't get better at it simply by putting more effort into it.
I vote for swimming! :thhbbb:
I started running more when I started doing Tri's last year. I do not like running at all. But I know I need to get better at it. Running and biking are what I do to cross train for swimming, though.
I've actually heard in the past year about a new event. It's called AquaBike. It's a TRI with no running. The name seems a little awkward to me. (People always think I'm talking about those things with big wheels). I hope it catches on! :fish2:
JIM
...I've actually heard in the past year about a new event. It's called AquaBike. It's a TRI with no running. The name seems a little awkward to me. (People always think I'm talking about those things with big wheels). I hope it catches on! :fish2:
JIM
Sounds perfect for me, I hope someone up here organizes one soon.
Funny you should mention those things with big wheel, there's a fellow who plans to pedal across the Atlantic this year in an enclosed kayak-type vessel equipped with a recumbant bike drive train.
I think it's great that some people like to run.I just happen to hate,despise,detest,and loath it.Oh did I mention I don't like to run?:rofl::2cents:
Allen, running is even more unnatural for the average Breaststroker with turned out feet...
