Running benefits for swimmers

Personally, when I incorporated running my swimming improved a lot, since my kicking improved.

There have been several benefits of running quoted for swimmers:

1. Cardiovascular Endurance: Running can improve over all heart endurance and health. There had been a research that suggested that since most swimmers spend their time in horizontal position, the left ventricle of heart in swimmers wasn’t as strong as left ventricle of runners (Note: swimmers would still have better heart health than general non-exercising population due to cardio nature of the swimming. Comparison was between endurance swimmers and endurance runners). Thus, running can provide over-all conditioning to the heart.
2. Leg Strength: running works on all the leg muscles and improve the strength and endurance, there fore improving the kicks and thus propulsion.
3. Conditioning and strength: running can improve the general fitness and muscle strength, and thus can reduce the risk of injuries. I personally use running along with strength exercises.
4. Improved Breathing Technique: Running can help improve your breathing efficiency and capacity. Enhanced respiratory function can be beneficial when swimming.
5. Enhanced Circulation: Running increases blood circulation throughout the body, which can aid in the removal of waste products and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Improved circulation can contribute to faster recovery after swimming workouts.