If you’ve seen my recent posts, you know that I’ve been embracing a no-impact, running only at physical therapy as part of form drills approach for the last two weeks of marathon training.
After a couple days on the elliptical I needed something more. Don’t get me wrong, I think the elliptical is great for general fitness or people trying to lose weight with a nice low-impact exercise, but it just doesn’t give me the same cardio workout as running does. Enter water running.
Aqua Jog Belt
My coach suggested getting to a pool for some water running so I could still get that same cardio workout without the impact of running outside or on the treadmill. The past few days I’ve gotten in my runs in in the water at Washington & Lee pool nearby my apartment.
The W&L pool actually has a “jogging well” (it’s the area by the stairs that can’t really be used as a full lap lane) and a whole bunch of aqua jog belts so I didn’t even have to bring my own from home. Yes, I own an aqua jog belt. I just can’t help myself from finding ways to look ridiculous in workout situations!
I absolutely love water running as a workout and am feeling a little bit better about not getting my regularly scheduled outdoor runs in the past few days. I might even add this in more regularly after the marathon too as a way to get extra mileage in without beating up my legs. I will definitely have to invest in a waterproof music player if I do that though!
Have you ever tried water running? How do you like it?
heart & sole 
I, too, love water running (occasionally — too repetitive to do regularly), and I, too, feel ridiculous doing it. I always get weird looks from the lifeguards/people swimming. Pretty cool that your pool has a separate section just for water joggers!
I used to water jog in the pool we can use in the summer, and it would be me, Bart Yasso, and Amby Burfoot in the deep end. “You’re too young to be doing this!” they would say. Better to prevent injuries though, I say!
Ha, too funny. I agree with you though – much better to prevent injuries!
I have wanted to try water running during my injuries…I feel like it’s something that I probably wouldn’t enjoy as MUCH as running, but know it would be good for me.
It’s definitely not as enjoyable as regular running for sure, but it’s one of the best substitutes I’ve found!
Might the waterproof music player be on your Christmas list???
Haha, it just might be a good addition to it…not saying I’ve started one yet or anything :-p