Is it normal for runners to suck HARD at swimming?

This is the first time in two years I have swam. I can count on one hand the total amount of times in the last decade I have been in a pool.

Well, that is like all the people I meet that says, I am not so good at running?

And I ask: Do you run a lot? Answer: No

Do you run ever?

No.

https://www.verywellfit.com/principle-of-specificity-definition-3120375

The typical runner build means that you have to put a lot of energy into not sinking and staying afloat. If your legs hang below the surface of the water and you swim at an angle (because you're too skinny), you create a lot of drag. Also upper body strength is relatively much more important, which we tend to lack.

I also think that technique and knowing what you're doing matter more than for running or biking.

Here is how it was explained to me: humans are natural runners and therefore fairly efficient at it. The best runner is probably only 15-20% more efficient than the average runner. Humans are not natural swimmers and are very inefficient. As a result, technique can make the top swimmers 4-5x better than the average person. If you want to become a decent competitive swimmer, you have to train with a coach and learn the technique. It made a huge difference for me

Yes, it takes a long time to get good at swimming. Even when you learn halfway decent looking technique and have excellent aerobic fitness it takes time. On the other hand it stays with you, former HS swimmers can jump in the pool and outswim you any day even when out of shape.

Also runners have poor ankle flexibility and thus have a "runner's kick" in the water which causes a lot of drag. Runners suck at swimming. They can be average since they have excellent aerobic capacity but they will never be great.

Too skinny wrote:

The typical runner build means that you have to put a lot of energy into not sinking and staying afloat. If your legs hang below the surface of the water and you swim at an angle (because you're too skinny), you create a lot of drag. .

Bodyfat doesn't keep your legs from sinking. Body position and speed do.

Buut... swimmergirls are HoTT!!

Nobody is a natural swimmer. You have to learn. It is *very* technique intensive.

Take lessons. Prepare to suck for a while. Only people who start as kids pick it up quickly.

Learning to swim is like learning a new language or golf. Its HIGHLY technical. If you really want to learn how, get a knowledgeable coach and be prepared to spend HOURS in the pool. You can do it if you want it bad enough.

incorrect, they all matter.

Bleh, that was a reply to >>Bodyfat doesn't keep your legs from sinking. Body position and speed do.

As mentioned earlier, swimming is pretty technique intensive. Most runners have the endurance and power to swim quickly but lack the technique to beat out a competitive swimmer.

Once the technique is mastered swimming is easier than running. You literally are in a cooling medium in a controlled environment. No wind, rain, hills or people cutting you off.

not true .... wrote:

Bodyfat doesn't keep your legs from sinking.

What a stupid statement.

Yes it does. Of course it does. Fat floats, and legs do sink without fat.

Effortless Swimming on You Tube had enough tips to help me improve my swimming to the point I can swim in one of the fast lanes and not the Nearly Drowning lane anymore.

It's totally technique first. After feeling confident about front crawl, I just started adding a few laps of backstroke and it was back to square one. I can do 50 laps front crawl at a good pace and not be totally dead but 1-2 laps of a new stroke and I was knackered.

Yes, due to the lack of fat and no upper body strength.

Once I learned the strokes, it was easy, but any other time I see runners try to swim they are dog-paddling. That said, when I swam on my HS team, I was a better swimmer than the swimmers were runners. It was always fun to do dry land training that included running because I'd be faster than the fittest (male or female) swimmer. So I think I am okay with being a good runner and a mediocre swimmer.

Yes, normal.

Swimming is 85% technique and 15% fitness. Maybe 90/10. If your technique is dreadful, all the aerobic fitness in the world buys you nothing in the pool. And, as others have noted, with the lack of fat and poor ankle flexibility common to serious runners, it's a lot to overcome. Start with a good coach and see how far they can take you.

You only sink if you’re slow.

Probably should try harder.