I haven't run for a week but have been stretching, icing and taking Epsom Salt showers (huh?) to combat whatever problem I have.I went water running yesterday in my pool. For those who have never been, I would argue this is the best form of cross training. You basically "run" in water over your head, slowly crawling along as if you are doggy paddling.
I had the same injury I have now as a junior in college and didn't run for three weeks. I water ran everday and come the conference meet, PR'd in 3 events in 2 days (including the 400 and 800). Never would I have thought doing something besides running would have such a positive impact while racing. The nice thing is that at the end of the workout your cardio is up, but your legs don't feel like they've done a thing. You can push like hell and your legs don't quit on you. In addition, your arms also get a great workout. The bad thing is that my 20 minute "run" yesterday felt closer to 40 minutes...time slowly ticks by and it can be very boring. Plus people in the pool think you are somewhat crazy. If you ever thought treadmill running was a bore...you ain't experienced nothing yet...
I know some guy who did some research on running the pool and the unfortunate news is that 10 minutes in the pool is equivalent to running a mile...so you have to be in there for some time to get a decent workout in.
ReplyDeleteIm an avid believer in pool running as a form of cross training/rehab. One of my h.s coaches who ran 3:58 for the mile, qualified for the atlanta olympic trials... Got a stress fracture in his tibia... he was in the pool for 3 months/twice a day a few days a week... he ran 5 days on land before running a 1:50. 800 Indoors.... The following week he ran a sub 4:05 mile... That leads me to believe you can get mad fit in the pool... Problem is aquiring pool access
ReplyDeleteHmmm...so only 2 miles. Great...
ReplyDeleteThough, I will go out on a limb and claim that pool running is the BEST type of cross training for running.