I'm currently training for the running part of a biathle (run+swim+run) event. At this point I'm building up aerobic base for running. Would this also have an effect on my long distance races (800 and 1500, for example)? If it did, would it be barely noticeable or huuge (like becoming a long distance swimmer from a drop dead sprinter)?
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Former Member
The answer, I would say, is going to be no. The aerobic base you get from running would benefit you in the pool, but not in the way you seem to be hoping. Swimming is a whole different beast from running. Different muscle sets, different movements, different breathing patterns.
It will help you with your leg endurance, but when it comes to swimming, it's at least 50/50 upper and lower...and you sure aren't working the upper body if you're running all the time...unless you run with small dumbbells doing presses, flyes and shrugs throughout.
Professional triathletes train all three: run, swim and bike. If they were suddenly able to go from barely able to swim a 100yd to being able to ace a 1500yd just by running, you'd see a lot less triathletes in the pool...
The answer, I would say, is going to be no. The aerobic base you get from running would benefit you in the pool, but not in the way you seem to be hoping. Swimming is a whole different beast from running. Different muscle sets, different movements, different breathing patterns.
It will help you with your leg endurance, but when it comes to swimming, it's at least 50/50 upper and lower...and you sure aren't working the upper body if you're running all the time...unless you run with small dumbbells doing presses, flyes and shrugs throughout.
Professional triathletes train all three: run, swim and bike. If they were suddenly able to go from barely able to swim a 100yd to being able to ace a 1500yd just by running, you'd see a lot less triathletes in the pool...
