IMO: Because the swimming is the main factor (you can't just decide to swim whenever you feel like it), you can plan your run around your swim. Depending on the hours of your pool and what time constraints you have, if you need to be out a maximum of 3 evenings, I'd try doing swim-run, run-swim, swim-run or swim-run one week, run-swim the next. Just because in a triathlon you run after you swim (well after you bike) doesn't mean that you're not going to get fitter by mixing it up. It just helps you to adapt to firing different muscles when they're needed and not always just in one specific order. Especially early on in your training.

But I understand your dillema, running is much simpler to plan into a busy schedule! If only pools were open at least as many hours as restaurants and bars are...

http://This message has been edited by dragonsrouges (edited Aug-28-2007).

What about running in the mornings and swimming in the evenings? Or could you run to the pool? Most of us have had to get very creative at finding ways to fit all the workouts in without completely abandoning our families (wait until you adding cycling!).

Personally I think in the beginning it will be better to run and swim on different days, as that will teach your body how to workout on a daily basis. Also, a swim-run combo workout will be fairly long, which means it will be difficult to get a solid swim or a solid run. Better to focus on swimming one day, then running the next day.

In the end, though, you'll just have to find the best compromise between all the various aspects of your life which need your attention. It helps to look at your training time as your "me" time away from the kids, as opposed to another chore to squeeze in and still find me-time on top of that.


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quote:<HR>Originally posted by Housefullofturkeys:
Thanks everyone.

It is totally ME time when I run....the only time I am not in the service of others (my kids are 2,3,5,6, +two daycare kids 6 and 6). Its the DARK that's the problem because it is simply not that safe here, so no to morning or evening (but not for awhile yet, mybe a month)...in any case, if I move two work-outs to the weekend then I can do them anytime during the day. I was hoping it was ok to crunch into 3 days, but your advice has told me otherwise.

Of course we all do what we can/what we want to do...at least you've enabled me to make an informed decision.

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IMO it IS ok to do your 6 workouts in 3 days, so long as it's temporary and not a year-round thing. It's much better to do that than to risk your safety or to stop training or something. Just vary it, sometimes swim first, sometimes run. Besides, 1h30 minute workout 3 X a week is likely to take less time than if you separated it to 6 workouts a week with all the prep work etc. You can bring your stuff to the pool and go for a run from there then swim. Not everyone has the kind of life/work schedule that allows them to train morning and/or evening, any 7 days of the week... Besides, I suspect you're already doin' quite a bit of running around after all these kids!

I always have problems swimming after a run. My calves cramp up really bad if I try to do that, no matter how much I stretch. Just an FYI.