Swimming Any Good for Running?

[Dynamo Dan]

I'm thinking of going swimming in the morning before work a couple of times a week on my easy running days. Does anyone know if it's good cross-training for running?

I won't be flouncing around doing gentle breaststroke, I'm a good swimmer and I'm hoping to do 100 metre front crawl intervals pretty hard. I'm assuming this type of swimming would improve your aerobic capacity as much as running, but give your legs a rest and improve your core strength.

[Witton Park]

I'm thinking of going swimming in the morning before work a couple of times a week on my easy running days. Does anyone know if it's good cross-training for running?

I won't be flouncing around doing gentle breaststroke, I'm a good swimmer and I'm hoping to do 100 metre front crawl intervals pretty hard. I'm assuming this type of swimming would improve your aerobic capacity as much as running, but give your legs a rest and improve your core strength.

Sounds about right - stick to crawl - keep the tempo up - maybe put in some slower recovery lengths in between.

I work on the basis that 20 mins run = about 1 hour swim so it's a supplement to your run training in the ways you mention above, not a substitute.

[Dynamo Dan]

Sounds about right - stick to crawl - keep the tempo up - maybe put in some slower recovery lengths in between.

I work on the basis that 20 mins run = about 1 hour swim so it's a supplement to your run training in the ways you mention above, not a substitute.

Yea that's what I thought, I'll still run on my swimming days, but it seems like a good way to get more hard aerobic work in without battering my legs.

[DrPatrickBarry]

Dan, LoveShac is a really keen swimmer he told me once that they actually block book the pool he will be the expert to talk to.

[matthew]

Some opinions on swimming for long distance running here
http://www.ultrunr.com/swim.html

[Dynamo Dan]

Some opinions on swimming for long distance running here
http://www.ultrunr.com/swim.html

Thanks Matthew that's an interesting read.

I've got a clear idea of what I'm going to do, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of complimenting their running with a bit of swimming?

[martin]

I do a one mile swim every morning before work and a longer swim at weekends and have done this for the past 15 years. I used to do lots of long distance fell races but I never really needed to run more than 30/35 miles per week as long as I kept the swimming up. I had fewer injuries and fresher legs as a result of it.

[IainR]

I think it works your core, also helps develop regular breathing..

Per hour the calorie burning is pretty similar..

I'm doing a bit more now, but I always have a snivel, runny nose when I swim.. I think its just the chlorine irritating your nasal passages..

Supplements rather than replaces... helps keep the weight down, certainly won't do any harm..

[dylan]

i have increased my swimming due to triathlons.
i swim between 40 to 70 mins.
it has been a challenge trying to master the perfect stroke.
i have found a pretty hard leg kick aids recovery to the calf muscles.
my legs are a lot more supple and my breathing has improved.
i am swimming 2 to 3 times a week,when it gets warmer i swim out doors.
the day after a long run(2-3 hours)i am jaded but the time off your feet is good and helps recovery.
i dont do as many fell races now but when i do i have found my stamina is there,my hill climbing is better but that is prob due to biking.
the one thing i am is injury free.
plus my upper body has gained better muscle definition.

[that_fjell_guy]

I'd say it definately aids recovery. I miss it now that I rarely do it. I think jacuzzis help me too! When I did triathlon 10-15 years ago I was much less stiff all the time. I find now if I do any large amounts of run training I get stiff calfs and its a bugger to clear them out. Swim or jacuzzi does it!