Pooling your (running) interest

I love deep water running.
I hate deep water running.


What's the source of this love/hate relationship?  For years, I'd heard that elite athletes not only take to deep water running (DWR) when injured, but that some use it regularly as a training supplement. Why would they do this?  Simply put, the lack of impact and the effort level achieved (assuming you have the right leader/teacher) are well worth what is often a mind-numbing experience, particularly if done solo.  More to the point, however, injuries over in the last year and a half forced me into the pool, and I'm a better (and now uninjured) athlete for it.

I'd tried the elliptical. I'd tried other machines.  My conclusion is that there is simply nothing that simulates a run better than DWR.  Sure, there is no impact, and thus when you finally do hit the pavement, your muscles (thighs and calves) might be in for a bit of a wake up call, but you can absolutely get a similar range of motion and aerobic benefit from DWR.  Indeed, with the right instructor and techniques, you can get a whole body/core/run workout over the course of a class.  You can do intervals.  I have seen the light.

That said, I am quite happy to be back on the pavement, but I've learned that an hour-long (or even 30-minute long) DWR session can be a great substitute for a run.  Find a good group and some great music, and you'll find yourself enjoying the workout even as you sweat (yes) in the pool.  Want more details from an expert and class leader?  Contact Debbie Ragals at treadh20@gmail.com.

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