I’ve noticed that I swim less and less and still manage to get the times I want on my races. I’ve also noticed, though, that a lot of IM programs have as much swim time as run time recommended.
So… I’m wondering, is this because most people need this just to get out of the water “refreshed”, or is there a carryover benefit of all that swimming into biking and running?
I keep hearing that swimming and biking help out the run more than the run helps out the swim and the bike. That’s what I hear, though.
I think it has alot to do with what type of swimmer you are to begin with. Good swimmers that grew up swimming and have a solid stroke can often swim very little to maintain their swimming. Others, even some former age groupers, need more time in the pool to keep fit.
How much it affects your bike and run is also predicated on what type of swimmer you are…example, if you rely on your kick to maintain your body position as you become fatigued, it can affect your bike and run - especially the longer distances. If you are blessed with a great swim stroke and core strength, you can get out of the water with very little of your bike and run affected.
I know that when I am training for IM distance I like increased swimming. It gives me a chance to work my aerobic system without taxing my already tired legs.
I’ve also been told that kick sets are not to be shunned by the triathlete - they are a great way to strengthen hip flexors (which does translate to better run/cycling) without impact. I’ve heard of some ultradistance runners adding pool kick sets to their routine for just this reason (and improving their times).
…so I probably really need to start doing them.
Yes, that’s what I was getting at… does the relatively low impact of swimming help out your general fitness, or should you instead (if you are a strong swimmer) spend your time on one of your weaker events.
Your heart and lungs do not know which sport you are doing at a given moment. The key components of your aerobic system are being trained while you’re swimming, running, and cycling.
So of course the benefits from training your aerobic system, swimming included, are realized in any endeavor that requires performance from it.
Swimmming, specifically kicking helps yor biking and running. i know this from personal experience and watching people I train. Unfortunately it is a one way street.
I ran my first marathon on mostly swim training (3:19). I trained for about five weeks hard on the run doing only longish runs at a moderate pace.
I started biking and it was a piece of cake. I swam breastroke as a masters swimmer. Most world class breaststrokers are excellent bike riders and include it in their training. It seems the muscles involved ar very similiar.
Freestyle kicking involves pointing your toes (application of force) and only works if you know how to do it. You develop hamstrings, quads, calves and strong ankles from kicking. Wearing fins makes them even stronger.
Swimming teaches you how to control your breathing pattern and helps on both bike and run. It also lessens the pounding on your joints. Swimming is a great way to recover from a hard run and/or bike.
dougstern