Professional runner Jordan Hasay has been happy as she\u2019s been logging miles on the trails of San Luis Obispo, California. And it\u2019s not just because the city is known as one of America\u2019s happiest cities. Although, it\u2019s hard to compete with the weather, laid-back vibe, and stunning landscape. The city sits between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it has easy access to the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains. For Hasay, it\u2019s also been the opportunity to get in a groove with training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s not just laps on the track or hill workouts in the mountains that are helping her get fit. Cross training has always been an important part of Hasay\u2019s routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI grew up swimming and always enjoyed it. In fact, the track coach had to write my parents a message to say he thought I should start coming to track practice more often than swimming!\u201d Hasay says. \u201cEven now as a professional runner, I incorporate swimming regularly. It helps to flush out my legs from the pounding and I just like the refreshing feeling of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swimming doesn\u2019t always mean laps in the pool for the California native. Hasay, a MasterSpas brand ambassador, incorporates swim spa sessions when she\u2019s at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A swim spa allows a swimmer \u2014 or runner like Hasay \u2014 to swim in place. With a variable speed system and temperature controls, you can swim at your pace in water that feels good. Swim spas also feature hydrotherapy jets (just like a hot tub) for recovery and relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the best way to become a stronger, faster runner? The building blocks to improving fitness include weekly mileage, speedwork, and hill repeats. However, there are other components of a well-rounded training plan. Cross training and active recovery can help runners reach their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is it important for runners to incorporate cross-training? It can build endurance and speed, while improving recovery time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among runners, swimming is a popular way to cross train. Not only is it low-impact but it provides a total body workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swimming specifically helps runners by improving flexibility, strengthening the ankles, increasing lung capacity, and regulating breathing. Depending on the runner, another benefit of swimming can be building muscle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even when she\u2019s running high mileage, Hasay incorporates swimming as cross training. It helps as she builds fitness and is important to her recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you want to start running, it can often be as simple as lacing up your shoes and heading out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, when runners want to start swimming, there\u2019s more to consider than heading to the pool and putting on a swimsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swimming is a sport that requires technique, from a streamline body position to rotating as you breathe. For runners who don\u2019t have a swimming background, there can be a learning curve to incorporating swimming as cross training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor runners looking to start swimming, I would recommend just starting with 5 to 10 minutes at a time on the evening of your hard runs,\u201d Hasay says. \u201cI find getting in the pool after my hard workouts is like therapy for my legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf using the swim spa you can also finish with turning the jets on high and using that as a massage!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since these first swims are almost active recovery, you can keep the pace easy and focus on good mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Runners who don\u2019t have a swimming background can also invest in swim lessons, whether it\u2019s at the local pool or inviting a private coach to your swim spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swimming can often be seen as punishment for runners. Hitting the pool can often mean you are recovering from an injury or starting to feel the onset of an injury. However, swimming can be a way for runners to take their cross training to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hasay, who grew up swimming, swims regularly. However, she adapts her cross-training routine based on where she\u2019s at with running and racing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She offers this advice to runners who want to begin swimming or swim more regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintain cardio fitness during off season. \u201cDuring the off season, I may get up to an hour of swimming five to six times a week. I like to mix up using the swim spa for the convenience of being at home versus meeting my friends at the local pool for an interval workout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut back mileage during peak training. \u201cAs my mileage increases, I usually cut back the swimming,\u201d Hasay says. \u201cBut even at peak mileage I swim three times at 15 minutes a week. The swim spa is great since you can set it in 15-minute intervals. I just set it to medium speed and have a nice easy swim.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incorporate interval training into your swims. \u201cA great swim spa workout I like to do is a 15-minute warm-up, then 10 x 1-minute at high speed with about 30 seconds rest. The swim spa is a fun place to do this workout since I just jump in, swim, and float out for the rest!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHappy summer everyone and happy swimming!\u201d Hasay says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you ready to incorporate swimming into your fitness routine? Having a MasterSpas swim spa at home allows you to enjoy the benefits of a pool, while enjoying the relaxation and recovery of a hot tub. Contact your local Master Spas retailer<\/a> to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Professional runner Jordan Hasay has been happy as she\u2019s been logging miles on the trails of San Luis Obispo, California. And it\u2019s not just because the city is known as one of America\u2019s happiest cities. Although, it\u2019s hard to compete with the weather, laid-back vibe, and stunning landscape. The city sits between Los Angeles and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1143,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitness"],"yoast_head":"\n