Cross Training Questions

Swimmers, do you ever run as a way to build up endurance in the pool?

Is running an effective cross training workout for competitive swimmers, or do you tend to forgo cardio in favor of weights when training on dry land?

Public Comments

1. Yes, i run mostly while in the pool and i have noticed quite a bit of difference in the past 6 months so i'd say go for it.
2. I do the vice versa.., being a slower runner, I use swimming as a way to really get and keep my heart rate up without running. I'll use it as a crosstrain. Problems is, I got so good at swimming I was asked to be the swimmer on a triathalon team, not the runner, hahha!
3. I run to help me in the pool. I can hold my breath very long now
4. Running helps strenthen up your leg muscles
5. Yes, it's absolutely great. And depnding on the depth of the water increases the tension and strength, for not only the legs, but the arms and hips as well. Depending on how I feel,I'll run in 3 1/2 feet all the way up to 4 3/4" deep. But don't go too deep. I am 6'2". If your shorter, you may not ant to go that deep.
6. i think some people misunderstand you and think your talking about actually running inside the pool. however, as another swimmer, i believe you are talking about actually running outside of the pool. in my opinion, i think it helps somewhat. you really should be doing both strength training and endurance training. i dont believe running helps all that much because first of all, it does not really help your kicking muscles at all. and second, all it does is increase your heart rate. so, what i reccomend, is running maybe 3 times a week for just 20 minutes in addition to your workouts.
7. Swimming more, interval training and proper diet are a better way to build endurance in the pool. Why risk shin splints, sore feet and the possibility of getting run over by a truck when you can increase your stamina the other ways?