It’s cool to run in the pool
Wednesdays are my day off from running. I don’t know why, but for about the last 10 months, my schedule has left Wednesdays for cross training. Thinking practically, it’s probably a good mid-week break and the pattern has stuck.
But today, Wednesday, is National Running Day and I felt obligated to participate. However, today I did not run around my neighborhood, along the Charles or even on a treadmill. I ran in the pool.
Pool running, or “aqua jogging” is actually a great way to cross train. It makes use of same muscles used to run without the impact. I became quite familiar with pool running and many of the pools available in the Boston area when I was injured the last 2 years. I own my own Aqua Jogging belt, and I admit I even own the shoes. I actually had “workouts” I designed for myself in the pool and even logged a personal record 3 hour pool run with my then-injured pal Shannon last spring.
Unfortunately, one of the things I love most about running is how simple it is. 1) Put on a decent pair of running shoes; 2) open the door; 3) go. Pool running…not so simple. It requires finding a facility with a pool – preferably with sections deeper than 5 feet so my feet don’t hit the bottom, ensuring the pool hours work with my schedule, commuting to the pool (in today’s case, 40 minutes to travel 4 miles – thanks Red Sox), changing into a swimsuit and water belt (and sometime shoes), showering and then actually getting in the pool to begin my workout.
However, it was a great option when I had no choice and it remains a great option to keep my joints healthy, when I choose to take advantage of it. I probably won’t do it consistently, especially when the weather is nice, but today, it was cool to run in the pool.
