Anyone have a formula for converting time aqua jogging into miles for the training log? If you spend 40 minutes aqua jogging what mileage would you log?
Thanks!
You’d log ZERO miles because you didn’t run any and there is no formula for converting aqua jogging into running…just like there’s no formula to convert asparagus into key lime pie.
Don’t be a slave to your mileage log. Put 40 minutes aqua jogging into your log and be happy.
I have thought about this a little bit in the past. My choice is to basically just log the time, like Matt said albeit a touch rudely, with respect to mileage totals. However, for counting Slowtwitch points which I do for several reasons, one being tracking and monitoring volume, I use my slowest aerobic pace and convert by time. For me, that’s about 10 minute miles, so 40 minutes would be 4 miles. I figure it is probably better to be conservative, and keep my ego in check. Now, as always, your mileage may vary. 
Rudely??
C’mon. Thats the problem with the internet, people read intentions or inclinationsinto things that are clearly not there.
I’m only rude to Brian 286, and only when he pushes my buttons.
Sorry…cannot offer you a conversion formula, but maybe another perspective.
While recovery from a stress fracture a few years ago I started merely switched the amount of time I would have run for aqua jogging. Yes…even my 2 hour long run! It seemingly was very effective because I was able to maintain much of my fitness.
Running Times Magazine, many years ago, put together several workouts specifically for aqua jogging. Other wise it gets pretty boring.
Good Luck,
Celene
as best I can tell, you’re not my normal swim buddy, but she asked me the exact same question today and spent the exact same amount of time jogging…
I don’t think it would be 1:1 time-wise…nothing like the full skeltal effect of running.
Maybe 2 aqua for 1 pavement?.
as best I can tell, you’re not my normal swim buddy, but she asked me the exact same question today and spent the exact same amount of time jogging…
No, I’m not normal and I don’t swim with any bears. Sounds like fun though!
I aqua jog about once a week and use the 10min per mile formula for the training log since it replaces a regular run. I do write “aqua jog” but add the miles to my run total.
Just wondering if there are any well thought out formulas that I could use since I’m about to start training in earnest and don’t want to feel like I’m cheating or something.
Erika,
a training log is a tool and as such its only as good as the information you put into it. I keep all my old logs and look back to see what I did before race PRs etc to see what I did the previous month that made race day special. If I log nonsensical information it becomes useless as a reference tool…and trying to convert aqua jogging into running is nonsensical. If you go down this route pretty soon you’ll have mowing the lawn in there as a 3 mile run.
Log it as 40 minutes aqua jogging and 12 months from now you’ll know that thats exactly what you did.
From my limited experience of running in the pool I’d say the workout is more akin to cycling than running anyway. No impact and no push off and you engage the hamstrings and hip flexors more…at least I do.
Keep your log accurate, once it loses its integrity it loses its function.
Just stick with the 1:1 ratio time of time and assume the pace you usually run your easy runs at. However, when aqua jogging, you have to make sure to stay focused and keep your HR up. It is easy to lose focus and let your HR drop at which point you are not getting the same aerobic benefit. Additionally, proper technique is important. Make sure to keep your back straight and shoulders back and visualize pushing off the ground to propel yourself foward.
Lets face it, nothing is better than running when it comes to getting better at running. However, aqua jogging is an excellent replacement when done correctly.
I do try to keep my HR up and when the boyfriend is there we race eachother for a length every few minutes to keep it interesting. Actually, I cut a corner off and start sprinting because he kicks my butt.
I do try to keep good form too because I’ve got a bulging disc so I try to keep proper alignment in everything I do…
MattinSF, I just disagree with ya! I don’t see a problem with putting a few aqua miles on the run total each week. These aren’t my long runs, just a recovery run once a week and I’m afraid if I didn’t count them then I would pressure myself to run more so I think I’ll stick with my system.
It also depends on how hard you are working while aqua jogging. I’d go by equivalent time to an equivalent running pace based on perceived exertion level…
something else to consider when you are aquajogging, to keep it more similar to your actual running, keep your cadence the same. You should probably be in the 80 - 90rpm range while actually running, you should also do the same in the pool. I did a lot of aquajogging this past summer and was amazed how easy it was to slack off from the run cadence and let it slip.
People ask that question in my classes all the time. It largely depends on how much intensity your are putting into your workouts. You can take a bath in the water or get a ferocious workout.
We use the Borg scale of perceived effort from 1 - 10. 4 is moderate, 5being moderately fast, 6 fast, 7 very fast, and and 9 you’re a hurting dude, 10 we never hit.
If you are pushing the pace, it is minute for minute for what you do on the roads as a fast workout. We use water work for speed and recovery from injury. You can push the pace without getting reinjured.
After 45 minutes of water work my group can barely stand.
DougStern
I don’t see a problem with putting a few aqua miles on the run total each week.
Of course there is no “problem” with that. But anyone who thinks aqua jogging is anything like road running is delusional. You see plenty of fast bikers who do a big portion of their training on a trainer; but you don’t see fast runners doing a big portion of their training aqua jogging. Aquajogging has value (recovery, range of motion, connective tissues), but it is not anything like running. As for “racing” there are different ways aquajogging can propel you forward. Try just kicking and pushing your hands backwards more if you want to go forward faster. As for 45 minutes being a hard work out, of course it is, so is 45 minutes of swim kicking, or 45 minutes of air cycling or 45 mintues of yoga…but it isn’t anything like 45 minutes of fighting gravity running.
You might be correct with normal water running. Those people who run in my class from 2:40 marathoners to 5 hour marathoners get faster on the roads after running in the water. We focus on very specific form and speed work.
Over the last 15 years I have had several 1,000s of people running in the water. I am a pragmatist. This stuff works! Come to New York and try a class on me. You just might change your mind or you might change my mind. I am always willing to learn.
DougStern
I’ll take you up on that, Doug. Thanks, I too am willing to learn…but I am still skeptical.
Reggie,
Being skeptical is a good way to be. If it does not work for me I throw it away.
I would love to show you how we do it. Your feedback is valuable.
DougStern
Sorry but I’m with Matt and Reggiedog on this one. There is certainly cross-training benefit to aqua jogging but the lack of impact really makes it closer to an elliptical workout than running. One of the reasons people track mileage is that it measures the cumulative effects of all of the pounding associated with running. People know that when they hit a certain weekly mileage they start to become susceptible to injury.
Obviously there are other benefits (increased capillarization, etc.) some of which you may realize, but I think the key is to realize, at Matt said, is not to be a slave to the log book/weekly mileage total. But hey, whatever works for you. Just my .02.
Keith
OMG. I’m about to challenge you geeks to a 10k.
I said a recovery run, once a week. Not every run, every week. You don’t even know the other run workouts I’m doing.
JEEZ!