[Callalily]

As the weather warms up, I'd like to get off the treadmill and run outdoors during my kid's lacrosse practice or tutor. This would mean running in the late afternoons and then going to swim practice in the evening, maybe 2 hours later. Would scheduling these workouts close together invite injury? Currently, I run in the early morning and swim at night.

 

[hobey]

You're working different muscle groups and swimming is no impact so you should be fine.

 

[Thor]

Start up slowly and you should be all set. By slowly I mean, when you first start doing doubles, do your normal run and then do an easy swim workout. Meanwhile, stay hydrated and healthy as far as calories in. This way you will be fueled for the added required energy.<br><br>
If you ramp up easy like this on the first several doubles, you should be all set for the very reasons hobey states. The people who tend to have problems with added workouts that are unrelated are typically those trying to lose gobs of weight such that they're going into all workouts with much less than full energy... doubles can be very hard like that.<br><br>
So stay healthy, ramp easy, and you should have no problems.

 

[MBannon]

I often get horrible foot arch cramps if I swim after running, I've found that it's due to tight calves. Lots of stretching will sometimes resolve the issue, but mostly I just do my best to swim and run on different days or at least swim before I run.<br><br>
So for me, double days are generally bike-swim or bike-run. If it's bike-run, I go easy on the run. Your mileage may vary. I do not think you're inviting injury, though, so I'd encourage you to give it a try.

 

[Kate60]

I frequently swim after running. Foot cramps are common. Hydrate and stretch well. Also don't plan on major kicking sets as your legs may be tired.

 

[bcc594]

I'll echo what the others are saying. Plus, two hours is a decent amount of time to get some food and water into yourself, and stretch nicely. I know that the tri-club people at my university (including me last year) went straight from running to swimming (i.e. about 10 minutes between the two) or swimming to running. Good luck, and take it easy the first few days.

 

[Callalily]

Thanks everyone! I think what I'll do is cut back on the running the first week or two after changing my schedule, as I swim with my master's team and don't have control over my swim workouts. I'll definitely try to stretch well, as arch cramps are a big nemisis. If it's really a problem, I'll bike on my swim days.