Using swimming skills for running

[Sweet_Fanny_Adams]

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?

[Blueboy100]

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

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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 Graduate]

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.

[Sweet_Fanny_Adams Graduate]

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

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

[JillJos15 Graduate]

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!

[Sweet_Fanny_Adams Graduate]

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!