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Pooping in the the pool is NOT cool!

I might forever associate the smell of chlorine with having this stress fracture. It's been different spending my mornings at the pool. It takes more thought before I head out the door. And it takes more of my morning than running does. But it's worth it to let my leg heal so I can come back stronger.

When I do new things, I like to know what I'm getting myself into. Before I got pregnant, I read a lot about how to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Once I was pregnant, I read and researched all I could about the best things to do for my new baby.

Since I started running, I have spent hours reading about different ways to stay healthy, different workouts, running methods, techniques and everything else.
So when pool running became my new form of exercise, I spent some time researching proper form, the best workouts, etc.

Some of the things I have learned from my research and from first hand experience:
  • Your form should mimic running on land. You should do it in the deep end because your feet should not touch the bottom of the pool. This can't be done properly without a flotation belt. Proper form also means swinging your arms like you would while running.
  • Music helps the time pass more quickly. It also helps maintain a faster cadence. Your turnover should be about the same as when you run on land, ideally around 180. I check my turnover speed in the pool every 5-10 minutes to make sure I am keeping it fast enough.
  • Having a friend to "run" with and talk to makes the time pass even more quickly than listening to music! Janae joined me this morning and the hour she was there flew by!!
  • Showering before you get in the pool is a good idea. The main reason is that you get so cold between the shower and the pool that the water feels warm when you first get in and isn't a painful transition.
  • To get the most benefit from your pool running sessions, add speed bursts. This has been easier with music because I just focus on speeding up my turnover on the faster songs.
  • Pool running actually burns more calories per minute than land running. From what I've read, it sounds like this is partly because the water forces your body to generate more heat to keep itself warm. Whatever the reason, I'll take it!
I've done a little pool hopping this week because the pool I went to yesterday and today is closer to my girls' school than the one I went to the other days. Each of the two pools I've been to has its pros and cons. Today's pool is much bigger and there is a larger deep area. However, the other pool is newer and has this sign that makes me smile:

It also has this sign, though, which makes me a little sad:

Have you tried pool running? Did you love it?

Are any of you swimming as cross training or in prep for a tri"

Have you seen any funny signs lately?

Comments

  1. Look at us breaking rules and running in a no running zone. LOVE YOU and LOVE our mornings together!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It makes my heart hurt to think you could have been in that pool at the same time I was upstairs in the cardio room on the stupid elliptical. I should just come sit by the side of the pool and chat with your guys. Heaven knows that is way better than being on that machine # negativenancymuch

    I am so glad you have been enjoying pool running, and as much as it stinks that janae is injured too, it is perfect timing for you both to have a buddy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. A young person's time in the water creates some of their most fond memories of childhood.water beads

    ReplyDelete

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