[Dennis]

Trying to learn some basics about pool running -<br><br>
What I read seemed to indicate the feet never touch the pool floor. Thats OK if you have a 7 foot pool near by, but all I have is a local gym and it's no deeper then 5 feet. Can I still simulate pool running?

 

[TriBob]

You might be able to get away with it. An aqua jogging belt will keep your head above water. Even if you are just scrapping the bottom, you are avoiding impact.

 

[runninirish]

there are two types of pool running, deep water running and shallow water running (where you are really running on the bottom, just a lot slower)...both are good...sometimes shallow water is best done with an old pair of shoes on (not sure if this is allowed in your pool), you will have a tough time running and touching the bottom as your cadence will not be as high as deep water running...I read a couple good articles on this recently, but can't remember where...I'll look from them...otherwise google it...I mostly run deep water running, but like to do both...

 

[APRR Chuck]

if you can't use old shoes try some water shoes. these will at least protect the skin from floor abbrassions.<br><br>
i like deep water when i can. but i also have the same problem you do with shallow pools

 

[hally]

Dennis,<br>
You should touch base with Perchcreek. He did quite a bit of this last year recovering from PF

 

[Sans Souci]

Dennis, unless you're shorter than 5 feet, it's only shallow end workouts for you at that pool.<br><br>
Repeats, such as 10x1 minute FAST with 15 sec rest; or 5x2 mins at a slower pace with 20 to 30 sec rest.<br><br>
You can do sprints and plyometrics in water six inches below your shoulders for 15 minutes or more once or twice a week. Things such as karate kicks, butt kicks, fast high knees, hopping/bounding (left foot, right foot, hop both feet), running backwards, ankle bounce drills, high knees. Water plyometrics are a good way to transition to land as you can do more in the water.<br><br>
Earl Fee's book <i>The Complete Guide to Running: How to be a Champion from 9 to 90</i> has a complete section on pool running. He and many others believe it is the "greatest fitness discovery in the past few decades."<br><br>
I know you really put in a lot of miles. This would be a great complement to what you are now doing. Good luck!

 

[perchcreek]

Hi Dennis,<br>
I did ALOT of pool running in 2007. Wear a floatation belt, have a pool with a deep end and run with form like you are sprinting to the finish. I went by HR using a Polar HRM and varied workouts like running with running HR minus 10 bpm. I found AQX water running shoes very helpful too ( <a href="http://www.aqxsports.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aqxsports.com/</a> ). The deep end is so your feet don't touch. This is "deep water running". Here is a discription: <a href="http://aqxsports.com/information.php?id=12" target="_blank">http://aqxsports.com/information.php?id=12</a><br><br>
Note chin 1-4" above the water. With toes pointed down, you can figure the minimum depth needed. I would have my lips just above the water.<br><br>
Hope this helps,<br><br>
Steve<br><br>
I even did "long runs" up to 2 hrs, as well as ladder intervals and just easy running. It maintained my fitness for 2 months.