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Lead Stories: Sunday, July 20, 2008

ASK FLASH: Deep Water Running 101

Posted May 30th, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Joshua Flash Gordon

Section: Columns, Ask Flash

Need advice? Injured? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? ASK FLASH!
ASK FLASH is a free advice column to help you with all of your running, fitness and nutrition inquiries. To ASK FLASH — simply fill out the form at the conclusion of the column.

Q. I notice from your log that you do a lot of pool running…maybe we should call you ‘Splash’? Seriously, can you tell me more about pool running and any equipment that might be helpful or other tips? Thanks, man!!!
~ Jules in Pooles Crossroad, Alabama

A. It is true - I am a huge fan of deep water running. I believe it to be an ideal injury rehabilitation tool. Furthermore, I use it as a regular part of my training to prevent injuries, receive an inexpensive massage, and increase ‘mileage’ without the risk of overdoing it on the roads. I vary between a ‘running stride’ and a ‘XC ski stride’ and also mix in steady effort and interval effort work. I cannot over stress the value of using pool running as part of your training (or, be adventures and find a pond!)

As for equipment, you can do water running as a minimalist with nothing more than a bathing suit and a deep end of a pool. However, I have found the equipment to be very helpful in keeping cadence and heart rate more similar to running and to make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
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