Pool running?

[andrealynn]

My running buddy was diagnosed with bursitis in her hip about 4 months ago. It hasn't improved, so she went for another opinion, and the new doc said her hips are fine, but she actually has some back problems. Gah. Anyway, she was told she can't run, but she can pool run. I have been googling, but I was wondering if anyone has any personal experiences on how to get a good workout in the pool.

[melodramatic26]

YES! Buy a floatation belt. You can "run" in the water. I've done this to get a few extra minutes of activity in while boating.

[Susie]

I think it's outrageously boring (I had to do it when I was rehabbing a shoulder in college; they wanted me to stay in the water), but it does give a good workout. She'll need a floating belt, and she'd probably really like a waterproof iPod.

It's best to do at non-crowded times in the pool because it's annoying to get splashed in the face by lap swimmers (since there's no point to wearing goggles) while you're jogging (especially if you wear contacts). It's also annoying to lap swimmers if you have to share a lane with an aqua jogger because joggers move really slow. I say this not to discourage aqua jogging because sometimes it's what you've gotta do, but there are ways to plan to do it that work better for everybody.

[kams]

I was having a bit of a problem with my foot recently, and so I did all of my running time in the pool for a couple of weeks. I just ran back and forth for the amount of time I would be outside running. Aside from other suggestions, I would wear shoes - either water shoes or old running shoes. The bottom of the pool will rip up your feet.