Running in the summer heat? Not always a breeze. Regular readers know summer running is my least favorite season to log miles. But there’s a cool way to stay strong, recover smarter, and keep your endurance up—swimming! I’ve embraced this option lately here’s why.
Why Runners Should Dive Into Swimming This Summer
Swimming is an incredible cross-training option for runners. It builds cardiovascular fitness without the pounding, giving your joints and muscles a well-earned break. Whether you’re logging miles for a fall race or just trying to stay consistent, adding swimming can boost your stamina, improve lung capacity, and even help prevent injuries.
Water’s natural resistance strengthens your core, glutes, and stabilizers—muscles every runner needs to stay balanced and powerful on the road or trail. The calorie burn is right up there with other cardio choices. And let’s not forget the recovery perks: a pool session can flush out soreness, ease tight hips and calves, and leave you feeling refreshed, not fried.
You don’t need to be a pro swimmer to benefit. Try pool running, water jogging, or easy laps. If you are looking for structured pool running classes, I’ve been a fan of fluid running for years. These are not your grandma’s water aerobics classes. (Although kudos to grandma for doing them). With just a few pieces of equipment, you can join in on the fun and fitness of fluid running.
There is also the perk of finding a new fave swimsuit!
So, when the temps climb and your usual run feels like a slog, grab your goggles and hit the water. Swimming might just be the secret weapon your summer running routine is missing.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I am not a very good swimmer, plus I don’t have access to a pool during the time I have to exercise. But it does sound like a great alternative in the summer heat! I’ve just tried to embrace running in the heat knowing how good fall running will feel.
You don’t have to be a good swimmer to aqua jog if you ever go to a pool with the kids on weekends might be fun to try
I really should start swimming. It’s never been my favorite but my husband swims three times a week so it would be easy to join in. He’s probably love “coaching” me. 🙂
I think it would do wonders for your sore knees to give them a break
I’m hoping for good weather next week so we can finally swim in the lake! Thanks for the inspiration, Deborah!
Hope you get that and enjoy your swim!
I couldn’t even fathom getting in a pool right now! They’ve actually closed public pools because they are too hot LOL! However, this a great recommendation for a great way to get in some running and mix it up!
Wow I never heard of them closing pools for being too hot!