The Challenges of the Trend Sport SwimRun
The Seven Challenging Training Aspects of SwimRun
SwimRun in winter is a special challenge for the mind and body. I @SCC EVENTS_Kreuz&Quer SwimRun e. V.
There are seven aspects that place particular demands on the body in SwimRun. By considering these factors, nothing stands in the way of successful training. The highlight of such a training phase should definitely be participating in a SwimRun event.
1. Thermoregulation
Swimming: Swimming in cold water significantly cools down the body. Heat loss is much greater in water than in air, as water conducts heat away faster. The body must expend energy to maintain core temperature.
Running: Running increases body temperature due to higher metabolic activity and muscle work. The alternating cooling in water and heating while running presents a major challenge for thermoregulation.
2. Muscle Adaptation and Coordination
Different Muscle Groups: Swimming primarily engages the upper body (arms, shoulders, core), whereas running places greater demands on the leg muscles. The body must switch between these different strains.
Coordination Changes: Moving in water (horizontal) and on land (vertical) requires constant adaptation of the musculoskeletal system and neuromuscular control.
3. Cardiovascular System
Circulatory Adaptation: Swimming places the heart in a horizontal position, whereas running requires a vertical body posture. The rapid shift between these positions can affect blood flow and blood pressure.
Heart Rate: The heart rate is often lower in water due to hydrostatic pressure supporting circulation. When running, it increases again due to gravity and greater exertion.
4. Breathing Patterns
Swimming: Breathing during swimming is time-restricted and synchronized with the swim rhythm.
Running: Running allows for freer and often deeper breathing. The transition between these breathing patterns can be exhausting, especially for untrained individuals.
5. Energy Consumption and Nutrient Supply
Varying Energy Demands: Swimming and running rely on different energy systems. Swimming uses more fat as an energy source, while running depends more on carbohydrates.
Energy Intake: Continuous exertion in SwimRun requires regular energy intake, which is essential during long sessions or competitions.
6. Hydrodynamics and Equipment
Equipment: SwimRun athletes often wear wetsuits to maintain body temperature and running shoes, which impact swimming efficiency. The added weight and water resistance increase physical exertion.
Arm and Leg Use in Swimming: Since shoes make the legs heavier in water, a pull buoy is often used to relieve the legs while swimming. Hand paddles are used to enhance arm propulsion.
7. Mental Challenges
The constant alternation between running and swimming, along with environmental factors (cold water, uneven terrain), demands strong mental resilience and focus.
At the SwimRun Rheinsberg in 2024, both newbies and professionals participated. I @SCC EVENTS_Kettlehut
Preparation and Equipment for Running and Swimming
SwimRun tests the human body in various ways. Successful athletes must master thermoregulation, have a strong cardiovascular system, possess excellent coordination skills, and train their muscles for different movement patterns. Proper preparation and equipment play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. These demands are what make this sport so exciting, offering the opportunity to continuously improve and push new limits.
Expert Opinion on SwimRun
Sports physician Dr. Margrit Lock from the Sports and Medicine Department at SCC EVENTS evaluates SwimRun as follows:
“From a sports medicine perspective, SwimRun is an ideal way for healthy athletes to enhance their endurance without overloading the body. The pace can be adjusted to individual abilities, the alternation between different sports reduces injury risk, and exercising in nature improves both physical and mental well-being. From a medical standpoint, athletes should ensure they have no significant cardiovascular conditions and are capable of safely swimming in open water. If these conditions are met, there is no medical reason to prevent participation.”
Whether Newbie or Pro: Head to the SwimRun Rheinsberg!
Even beginners can see significant progress in their training within a short time. To assess their level and step into the world of SwimRun, the SwimRun Rheinsberg is highly recommended. It’s a top event for both beginners and professionals in this exciting sport.
More Exciting SwimRun Articles:
The Right Gear for SwimRun
The History of SwimRun
SwimRun: A Sport for All Seasons
BMW
BMW GERMANY - A STRONG PARTNER FOR RUNNING.
BMW has been the title sponsor of Germany's biggest marathon since 2011. At this running event, the world's elite come together to top the current best times.
Strength. Endurance. Efficiency. These are not only the most important attributes of a runner, but also apply to BMW's sustainable vehicles. BMW has been setting standards in sustainability for years and successfully demonstrates them at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. But also before the event BMW accompanies the running community in their preparation and emphasizes the joy of running. With the perennial RUN FOR JOY campaign, BMW, supports the athletes in their preparation - together they make the impossible possible. The lead vehicle, the new BMW i5 supports the runners on the course. It has exactly the qualities needed for a successful marathon run: intelligent and responsible use of resources. And it is precisely with these skills that the all-electric vehicle guides the runners safely, purposefully and in an environmentally friendly manner through the capital.
More than 50 vehicles and around 15 scooters of the C evolution class are part of the fleet of support vehicles provided by BMW for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. In addition to the iX as a safety car, the latest i-models from the car manufacturer are also in use as shuttle and organization vehicles. With this commitment, BMW supports the sustainable development of modern technology and the sport of running.
adidas
Everything at adidas reflects the spirit of our founder, Adi Dassler. Improving the athlete’s performance was his goal; today, his legacy continues with the consumer at the heart of everything the adidas brand does.
The number of runners in Germany is constantly increasing. No matter where they come from, they all have the same goal: Improve. Better runners, better athletes and in the end a better version of themselves.
adidas Running has something for everyone – we want help each person achieve their individual goals. What counts is personal development, which goes far beyond the personal best.
Abbott
At Abbott, our 114,000 employees in more than 160 countries are devoted to advancing life-changing technologies that help people achieve their full potential. Our medical devices, diagnostic tools and nutrition products are designed to enable individuals to reach their personal best, however they define it. By sponsoring the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world, including the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, we are not just celebrating the pinnacle of physical endurance and determination – we are reinforcing our commitment to improving lives. The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a testament to health and the human spirit at their finest, showcasing that with the right support and determination, every finish line is within reach.
More on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
Zalando
Are you ready to take your running to the next level? As the official sponsor of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Zalando is here to help you reach your goals. Running a marathon is challenging enough - you need the right equipment to feel completely comfortable. Our functional sportswear can do much more than just look good: From marathon training to relaxed runs - find your perfect outfit at Zalando and run with us!
GENERALI
Generali Germany has been our partner since 2018. The insurance group is part of the international Generali Group and thus also part of a company that is over 190 years old, its history and its heritage. In 2017, the company launched a new sponsorship strategy - “Generali moves Germany”.
The initiative aims to motivate people to lead active health and environmentally conscious lives. Taking part, not watching, is crucial here. In recent years, Generali has thus become one of the largest and most important sponsors in German running. Running promotes physical and mental health and thus has a preventive effect against numerous common diseases. Moreover, hardly any other sport can be practiced in such a resource-saving and environmentally friendly way. Together with the event organizers, Generali develops programs that make major events demonstrably sustainable: in the areas of environmental and climate protection and social commitment.
About 9 million customers are insured with the companies of Generali Germany, which include the brands Generali, CosmosDirekt and Dialog in the life, health and property/casualty segments. Generali's objective is to be a lifetime partner for its customers, offering innovative, individual solutions and services thanks to an excellent sales network in exclusive and direct sales as well as in the broker channel. Generali Germany is part of the "Germany, Austria and Switzerland" (DACH) business unit, which was newly created in 2022.
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei refreshes all finishers behind the finish line. ERDINGER Alkoholfrei is the ideal beverage after sports: isotonic, rich in vitamins, and low in calories. And ERDINGER Alkoholfrei has only 125 kcl per 0.5-liter bottle! Because a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important!
EY
As official Partner and Sustainability Consultant of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON, EY aims to further advance the sustainable transformation in sports. To this end and together with the event organizer SCC Events, EY will develop a concept to make the marathon as sustainable as possible.
Also beyond the course, we go the extra mEYle every day: EY is one of the major German professional services organizations with more than 11,000 employees at 20 locations. Working across Assurance, Consulting, Law, Tax, Strategy and Transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
This includes EY helping clients to develop and implement suitable sustainability concepts. In addition, EY has many years of experience in advising companies and organizations in sports.
NORQAIN
NORQAIN – Official Timekeeper of BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
Embrace the thrill of precision and endurance with NORQAIN at the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. As the proud Official Timekeeper, family-owned and fully independent NORQAIN exemplifies a commitment to quality watchmaking and its challenger “my life, my way” spirit.
Just as runners push their limits on the track, NORQAIN's timepieces stand strong against the test of time, making every second count in the pursuit of excellence. At the heart of our collection lies the revolutionary Wild ONE collection. Crafted to endure the most demanding challenges, this ultimate high-performance sports watch is both ultra-robust and ultra-light making it a perfect companion for athletes and watch enthusiasts alike.
We’re beyond excited to announce that as a special tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON NORQAIN will be unveiling a limited edition Wild ONE BMW BERLIN-MARATHON timepiece in 2024.
Maurten
You probably know that you burn carbohydrates when you run – both in training and during the race. And how hard it can be getting the fueling right, without GI-distress.
Our Hydrogel Technology makes sure you get enough carbohydrates without risking the session or race. But there are no shortcuts – science has shown that training your guts makes a huge difference.
VILSA
Naturality meets sustainability
As a mineral water, VILSA accompanies you with refreshing purity and light mineralisation. But that's not all! We are committed to people, animals and the environment: as a family-owned, midsized company in its fourth generation, we see it as an obligation and the core of our company philosophy to stand up for nature and the conservation of our resources in order to preserve them for future generations.
Discover our variety of products and enjoy the natural freshness of VILSA.