A few posts back, I commented on an article at www.triathlon.competitor.com by Matt Fitzgerald that talked about using swimming as a recovery from running. Also, I put forth a really big effort on my three-mile run at Marine Corps drill this past weekend, and I also had to do some situps and pull-ups, all of which made me quite sore and tired Monday morning. I planned to sleep in on Monday and then "swim it off" at lunch on Monday, but I bailed because I was tired and wanted to have lunch with my parents who are in town to see their new grandson.
Anyway, I did the recovery swim today at lunch (after sleeping in!). And it worked out GREAT! This morning, my abs were still sore, and my lats were still quite sore from the efforts on Sunday. Interestingly, my quads and glutes are sore, too, and I don't know remember the last time they were sore from a run effort.
I did about 40 x 25yd all freestyle, concentrating on a good form that was streamlined and strong. I kept the pace really easy. It was actually fun and relaxing to swim this way! Better yet, I was stretching out those lats and abs that were so sore, and the legs were moving from a bit of a kick. All in all, I got out of the pool refreshed nearly 100% and ready to hit it tomorrow morning.
Bottom line: the "recovery swim" is the real deal and you should make use of it. Plan for a recovery swim next the next time you have a breakout run session planned. If you're like me, you'll love the results.
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