Is water running in a wetsuit as effective?

Triathlon Forum
1

I plan on trying water running to maintain some fitness while dealing with my calf. I haven’t done it before but I know it’s benefits.

My L.A. Fitness is too shallow. I have a pool with a modest deep end, but it’s COLD. If I wear my wetsuit (wife thinks I am crazy) will I still see a strong benefit as compared to say a warmer pool with waist flotation.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

2

If it’s too cold then you should be working harder. I’d watch out as neoprene deteriorates in treated water faster than in OW.

3

How are you going to stay somewhat vertical? Ankle weights?

4

Good point.

5

You need a flotation belt! I suggest you head to the deep section or diving area. Initially you will notice more of a treading water type motion, but once you start using your arms to create your running movement it becomes natural. I suggest that instead of running with your hands in a fist,open them up a bit to catch some water and you can navigate to make it a bit fun. Your heart rate will not get as high as outdoors,but it will be great be a great to maintain some level of running fitness. I ended doing 4-5 minute intervals with a 1 min recovery for a sip from my water bottle.
http://www.google.com/search?q=flotation+belt+aqua+jogging&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&tbm=isch&source=lnms&ei=9rUAT5mqNO_q0QHgsomMAg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=672

6

Have water run alot due to injuries in the past and lately from car+bike accident.

Water belt and if the pool is to short tether yourself to the side somehow.

To feel more like running instead of like a duck, wear an old pair of running shoes for weight and resistance.

Can be alittle boring, just keep your goals in mind.

Austin aquarunning dot com.

7

Thanks. I need to locate a deep pool. I’m think my 60 outdoor pool at home won’t cut it

best i.ve located so far is 5 feet. i’m 6 feet tall

8

Yeah and I don’t think your wet suit will help at that temp for as long as you may be at it.

9

I read somewhere (possibly the Pfitzinger site) that water running in a shallow pool can be an option - the water still takes a lot of the load off your legs.
So don’t rule that one out - depending on your injury of course.
Unless you’re doing water running for pleasure.

10

I’ve done plenty of deep water running in a wetsuit, using it as the flotation, not the waist belt. It seems that once you get going, if you make effort to keep upright, you can stay that way. Your legs don’t HAVE to float up unless you stop to rest.
I have learned this because my gym pool is too shallow (4.5 feet), so I water run in our lovely Barton Springs, which has lots of deep spots, but is outdoors and in the upper 60s. However, I do tend to get really hot when I’m working hard (90 min run the other day, with ‘tempo’ intervals), so eventually, I ended up first unzipping my wetsuit, and later, peeling down the top half and tying the sleeves around my waist.

Good luck.

11

thanks. our gym pool is also 4.5, so I may still try my pool. i guess anything is better than nothing.

12

Wear a wool sweater. You’ll look dumb but you’ll be warm.

You can wear a cap, too. Helps trap body heat.