When all wet is all right. (water training)

Put your runners into the water; it's a safe, easy, effective, and enjoyable way to vary your training program

First used as therapy for injured runners, water training has evolved into a popular tool for every kind of workout, including cross-country competition.

Agoura (CA) High School, the nation's #1 rated girls cross-country team in 1981, used water training two days a week during their regular season. Net result: no stress-related injuries and a national championship.

Nordhoff High School of Ojai, CA used water training during the peaking portion of their 1991 season. Net result: no stress-related injuries during this demanding portion of the season and boys and girls state championships for their divisions.

Countless other schools and individuals have used water training over the course of their seasons and the results have been extremely positive.

Why is water training so successful? First of all, we know that a tremendous amount of stress is placed upon the body when running on the roads or trails, and constant pounding can lead to injuries.

Water provides a safe, easy, and painless method of resistance, thus making it an excellent method of cross-training. During the long season, water training adds variety to the workouts, and almost any type of workout can be done in the water. Note: Water work can be plain fun!