Swimming vs Running

[isitfridaay]

I can't run because I'm a huge lump but I have developed an obsession with swimming

I'm regularly doing 1mile, did 2k yesterday. I built up to this starting from 0 last year. I'm not particularly knackered either (I should swim harder I suppose). I'm trying to do a mile a day.

I've become a bit obsessed with it and once I've started it just want to keep going and not stop- I'm wondering if this is what people say about running - do you get to the point where you don't want to stop?

Also it kind of the pattern of the stroke and breathing is it the same as the pace in running? Kind of medative?

Yes, running is quite meditative and you can turn your brain off. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted to not stop running (as in run forever), but certainly you don’t think ‘god, I just want to stop!’ if that makes sense. You do get a high from it. I’m not a swimmer in a swimming distances sense, but I am a cold water swimmer (swim in the sea all winter) and I’d say the sense of euphoria from cold water is similar to a runner’s high.

Swimming over running every day of the week- so much fun in the water and also so refreshing. No sweat, great exercise for all abilities and works every single part of your body. Endorphins after swimming are great. Push yourself a bit harder though, sounds like you are ready for it! Increase the amount you get done a little bit each week/at least maintain. 😍

I get a high from running and cold water swimming. Both are meditative with a steady rythmn.

I can get to a point of long runs- normally at 5-8mi where my body is in flow and auto-pilot and I don't want to stop.

@BogRollBOGOF the autopilot thing this is it!

I'm not sure I'm ready for cold water

@Vallmo47 I'm trying to get a bit faster but I'm just enjoying it so much! Also my stroke isn't perfect and I can only breathe to the left which is super annoying as I have an uneven stroke

Thanks all!

I like running over swimming as I love the outdoors air.

I compare swimming more to treadmill running, still great for you and if you enjoy it stick with it, but personally I love running in the different seasons and the fresh air.

You need a lake

Outdoor swimming is amazing. It's got dragonflies and ducks!
I gave it a try when pools were clinging on to ridiculous booking systems and discovered the liberation of not being confined in a lane with splashy-front-crawl-man, and chatty don't-get-my-hair-wet ladies and I've stuck with it.

It does have the disavantage of fewer locations and not being able to go from the door though!

I’ve switched to swimming as I’m now a lumpy pregnant person who can only do gentle runs and it’s soooooo boring! When running I’m out in nature, I’ve got a podcast in or music and I’m seeing things. Swimming is just the same view for however long interspersed by avoiding other swimmers and avoiding drowning.

Hi OP! Great that you are getting into swimming. I am a competitive swimmer (I run also) and it’s a great way to keep fit and strong.
I recommend breathing every 3 strokes on front crawl. That gets your body used to breathing both sides and protects your neck while still guaranteeing a sufficient oxygen supply.

I like swimming, would like to do some when I retire next year. But I seem to have developed a sensitivity to chlorine in one eye which probably rules out indoor pools and I don't know of anywhere outside within reasonable distance.

Never been a runner but love swimming and find it helps me physically and mentally. When I do it regularly I do get addicted, at the moment I have switched to gardening and got addicted to that but once the weather turns will be back swimming and in UK it's often the perfect weather for indoor swimming. I love the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room after a long swim. In summer lidos can be good. With all the sewage not fancied swimming in UK waters but love outdoor swimming abroad in cleaner and warmer climates.