Does anyone else feel silly going to public pools and water running?

I do it quite a bit at my local Y and I don't give it a 2nd thought. Stop worrying about what other people think.

Yeah, I go also. Yes, you look like a total idiot but who cares?

I do.

But the hot 76 year old grandmas in the afternoon make it worth it.

Often, water running with a flotation vest is the only way to attract the attention of hot babes. It distinguishes you from the rest of the herd who are merely swimming. However, maybe its the wrong kind of attention? Can any hot babes weigh in on this issue?

Track Fan wrote:

I do it quite a bit at my local Y and I don't give it a 2nd thought. Stop worrying about what other people think.

Same here, in fact, sometimes the unforeseen benefits can be nice...

I'm a HS XC coach and last fall, I recruited a new runner while water running at the Y. A woman asked me what I was doing and I told her that I had been a life-long runner but that my knees could no longer tolerate daily running. In the conversation that ensued, I found out her son (who was at the other end of the pool) was a 9th grade student at the high school where I coached, he'd done a little running in middle school and that he'd like to go our for our team if it wasn't too late. So he went out for the team a month late and ended up running 19:58 that fall. Not much to brag about, but in this day and age not too bad.

He's out for track now and just broke 11 min for the 2-mile. Loves the sport and will be a big asset for our team by the time he's through

Pics of the mom?

Don't be so insecure. I know it is almost impossible for most on here to do that, but it really doesn't matter what "everyone else thinks".

Same thing with recovery or long run paces. "Someone might drive by and think that I look like a slow runner". Who cares. Are you doing it for you or them?

no.

No. Suggestion: waterproof your iPod and enjoy the run.

Not at all...Did nearly half my prep for Boston in the water. Got some positive attention, was able to educate a bunch of people about what I was doing, and had a great time working out with some runners I couldn't dream of keeping up with on dry land.

When I was injured and did water runs I went to a river and did them for this very reason

That\'s like saying that you\'re embarrassed to run around in public in running shorts

I've actually thought about that-water running with an ipod. I have both a nano & a shuffle. Any advice regarding HOW to waterproof it? Thanks!

I aqua jog about 4 times a week for 30-45 minutes. I could Imagine I look a little fruity, but the fact that I swim 2-4,000 meters/yards before hand makes up for the fruityness. To any injured runners/triathletes out there I would recommend the aquajogger, but I don't think its enough to maintain IDEAL fitness. Get some goggles, kickboard, and a pull buoy and swim. Even if you can't swim well..you will get better with time and work the cardiovascular system.

Haha, i'm not going to lie, when I have to aqua jog, i can't take it seriously. I get 10 minutes in and all i want to do is jump off the diving board or play water polo or something. Swimming pools just don't have that serious feel to it, but that's me

people do that? pulic pools? really?

hey, thanks for the link! kind of pricey. however, if this injury persists, might definitely be something to look into. also would be nice for those easy runs in the rain.

I only aqua jog when I am injured. I do not really feel silly I become somewhat of a novelty because I end up aqua jogging for 2 hrs . People seem to admire when you are in the pool running and usually smile and ask you questions. Its boring as heck and I dread it when I am injured but the alternative is losing your mind it helps me keep my sanity !