Climbing and Running

I would say a little may help your running by improving your core strength and flexibility. Maybe two or three thirty minute sessions a week would be good and not tire you out. If you're not trying to compete at a high level in running, just do it as much as you like and have fun. But if you are competing and putting in a lot of miles, you won't be building that much muscle but climbing a lot won't be good for you running. It's kind of like how most distance runners don't get huge by lifting weights.

My friends, who were scholarship runners, were not allowed to do this sport in college because the scholarship forbade sports where there was even the slightest risk of injury but they on a few occasions they climbed anyway. Really fun.

Climbing is a really great form of xtraining. I worked at a rock gym two summers ago and was running upwards of 90mpw and it developed the "right" kind of muscle. It just strengthens everything and you feel powerful but not huge or anything. I know it helped me alot that year. I regret not doing it this last summer.

its good, it builds core strength and flexibility.

You won't bulk up because its all body weight or less. The big guys at the climbing gym are doing more than just climbing.

If you are worried about bulk do longer sustained routes and stay away from more power oriented boulder.

And DON'T GET HURT! I tweaked ankle can really screw your season.

I think rock-climbing hand strength should be mandatory for all USA 4x100m relay team members. Maybe then, they could hold onto the darn stick.

Would boldering really be that bad? Thats what I've been doing most of, just because of I like its simplicity. I am also running competitivly.

Is this actually something I should be concerned about or is bouldering vs normal routes not that big of a deal?

Maybe this whole thing isn't a big deal...I'm just paranoid about doing anything detrimental.

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Just be super careful on landings. As someone has already pointed out, it's easy to jam an ankle or bruise a foot when coming down like that, especially if you don't fall squarely onto the pad and have a good spotter to keep you from further mishap.

Bump.

I think I'll pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfzJY8mM3Uo&feature=related

i was doing a lot of both last spring. i was only running 35-40mpw, but climbing 2-3 days/week. i was able to consistently run sub-16 for 5k and send low to mid 5.12 (i like sport climbing more than boudlering).

I switched from running to climbing in my early 20's and put on 20 lbs of muscle. Years later I returned to competition and found that my times were about the same at 1500, faster at 800 or less (2 sec improvement in 400), and slower from 5K on up (by maybe 10 sec/mile). The trade was worth it (I now climb 5.13/14)

there are a number of trail runner/racer types who do both climbing and running - they are also the guys who do telemark and back country skiing.