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Re: Alternatives to Running [jyeager]
In Reply To:

If you are a triathlete, the best alternatives to running are:

1) biking
2) swimming

I've concluded that all the other substitutes only help you with running indirectly by maintaining (or perhaps improving) your cardiovascular fitness. That being the case, why not improve your cardiovascular fitness in a way that specifically improves your triathlon performance?

Depending on the nature of your injury/issue it's possible that weight training or some other strength/flexibility program could help to rehab you and prevent future injury so it's valuable while not directly contributing to aerobic fitness.


Biking and swimming are obviously things necessary for triathlon but they are not a substitute for running. When race day comes you need to run too. If you are limited in how you can train for running, you need a better substitute.

Given all the alternatives people have posted here, I would rank them as follows

1. Running on dirt/trails -- absolutely.
2. Running on a treadmill - boring yes but certainly lower impact than pavement.
2. Aqua jogging - The best non-impact substitute there is. Definitely worry about form and do not use the flotation vest
3. Walking - not just up hills but everywhere. Combine this with aqua jogging if you can.
4. Elliptical - a poor substitute

[edit] as the post immediately before mine mentions, barefoot running would be great too but logistically can be quite difficult.
Last edited by: JoeO: Aug 6, 09 6:59

Edit Log:

  • Post edited by JoeO (Dawson Saddle) on Aug 6, 09 6:57
  • Post edited by JoeO (Dawson Saddle) on Aug 6, 09 6:59