Using swimming skills for running: Yup, it's a... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,110 members159,473 posts

Using swimming skills for running

6 Replies

Yup, it's a weird title, but it's what occurred to me yesterday, whilst running w5r1 (apologies if it's not an original thought!).

The reason I'm running is because the pool is shut. I love swimming and I am suffering serious withdrawal symptoms. However, when I started C25K, I didn't think there would be any cross over between swimming and running, because swimming supports your body so completely and running doesn't (an important point for my ample frame!)

However, I've noticed that a couple of skills from swimming definitely transfer to running....

1. When I swim front crawl, the first 10 lengths are always the hardest, but if I start very slowly, the next 50 lengths flow much more easily....and it seems to be the same way with running.

2. Because the first 10 lengths of front crawl are the hardest, I breathe once every four strokes, building up to 6 - I don't try to force the breathing too early. But once I get into the flow, I breathe once every 8 strokes (or sometimes 10 if I really relax and get into the rhythm) and my co-ordination just seems to flow better. Yesterday, I started to see the beginnings of this. I felt I was beginning to relax into it for the first time.

No doubt I'll struggle at some time in the future, but I felt quite encouraged after this. Has anyone else felt anything similar?

6 Replies
Blueboy100 profile image
Blueboy100

What a great idea! I struggle with the first run cycle and then it gets easier. I’ll try this.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Great observations.

The first ten minutes of running are known as the toxic ten because of the oxygen deficit your body is trying to overcome healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Rhythmic breathing is certainly a great skill to acquire, but for some it does not come naturally and overthinking it in that case can be counterproductive.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Indeed... and IannodaTruffe has pointed you to the explanation of the “toxic 10” usually linked to minutes, but I can see that would also work in lengths. Like a car, we run (sic) better when we are fully warmed up.

Ha! There's nothing new under the sun, eh?! ;-)

At least I'm not barking up the wrong tree. :-)

JillJos15 profile image
JillJos15Graduate

I’m also a swimmer and have been ‘forced’ to run with pool closures! My cardio level is pretty good but I’m finding the impact on my joints brutal! I’m enjoying the challenge and sense of achievement!

JillJos - I know exactly what you mean about joints hurting (that's why I've always preferred swimming). I never thought I'd enjoy running for that reason, but like you, I've found myself unexpectedly found myself enjoying it.

I've read about avoiding heel strike but I've also bought myself some elasticated supports to try to protect my knees. I don't know if this is the right thing to do...but my knobblies seem OK so far! ;-)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

swimming

Went swimming today for the first time in a long while after I kept reading how good it is as cross...
dagshar profile image
Graduate

WOW what a workout I've had this morning.

No not running but swimming. The pool when I arrived was quite busy and its only a small pool...
Oldgirl profile image
Graduate

Not quite running - I hope you'll forgive me that!

Some of you know that in just over 3 weeks I am doing a novice triathlon to raise money for a cause...
RebeccaSK profile image
Graduate

Running is good for the soul 🙂

I write this post with a heavy heart as this was by far the hardest run so far in the program for...
Kimchoc08 profile image
Graduate

Swimming instead..

Haven't been running since last Sunday - when I had a disastrous what-should've-been graduation run...
petraj profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.