From July 9th through August 11th I couldn’t run. I strained both my hamstring and adductor and had to take time away from running to allow it to heal. One month of no running. PLOT TWIST: I am training for the Berlin Marathon. Which as of today is 26 days away. The month of July was supposed to start my biggest build, so having an entire month of not being able to put weight on my leg made training extremely challenging. How could I continue to train for the marathon while simultaneously allowing my injuries to heal? Luckily, my friend and fellow blogger, Erica, introduced me to Fluid Running H2Go.
What is Fluid Running?
Fluid Running is a zero-impact deep water running workout. Founder Jennifer Conroyd started pool running when she injured herself 6 weeks before the 2010 Chicago Marathon. Running solely in the pool leading up to the race, not only did she able complete Chicago, but she also ran a Boston Qualifying time! Jennifer used that experience, along with her ACE personal trainer certification and USAT coaching certification to create Fluid Running.
You can take Fluid Running classes at various pools in the suburbs of Chicago. If you live elsewhere or if you can’t make it out to the suburbs, don’t worry! There’s an app for that! Using the Fluid Running flotation belt, H2Go waterproof Bluetooth headphones, and the Fluid Running H2Go app, users follow as Jennifer leads them through a 55-minute deep water running workout.
How do you go pool running?
Pool running, also known as aqua jogging or water running, is just as simple as regular running. You just put on a belt, jump into the deep end of a pool, and run. It’s meant to mimic running on land. The key is maintaining the same form: head level, shoulders back, arms swinging in triangles by your side, and fast cadence. With the Fluid Running H2Go System, Jennifer will lead you through the basics. There are also videos so you can perfect the form.
Why use Fluid Running?
Deep water pool running is very beneficial for those (like me) recovering from an injury. In addition to being zero-impact, it’s a total body workout. Due to the added resistance of the water, your leg muscles work harder than on land. The water also tones your upper body, and you engage the core in order to remain upright. During a Fluid Running workout, you can burn up to 40% more calories than on land!
Even if you’re not injured, Fluid Running allows you to increase weekly mileage without increasing the risk of injury. It’s also a great alternative in case of inclement weather. Remember that time I ran 25 miles on a treadmill? I would have MUCH rather done it in the pool!
I’ve tried both the “Life is a Highway” endurance workout and the “Running on Empty” track workout from the Fluid Running H2Go System. I LOVED both of them! Jennifer does a great job explaining the workouts, motivating us through the hard efforts, and giving form cues.
During the endurance workout, Jennifer leads a neighborhood run. It has some short intervals and some longer sets. The track workout does 800s, 400s and 200s. I practiced visualizing I was on a track and DEFINITELY worked up a sweat! Jennifer shares her mantra – Strong Legs, Strong Mind, Strong Body – during the workout. It’s become my new go-to phrase!
While I’ve been rehabbing my injury, I’ve been lucky to have friends join me for long pool runs. Jill, Sarah and I had a rehab pool party a few weeks ago. This past weekend, Erica joined me to test out her Fluid Running H2Go system. You can check out Erica’s experience with it on her “Tried it Tuesday” post here. I’ve enjoyed sharing this new training experience with friends.
I would highly recommend checking out Fluid Running H2G0. Whether you are injured or just looking for a way to add miles, pool running can help a lot. Even when I fully recover, I will still incorporate pool running and these workouts into my training. If interested, the Fluid Running H2Go System is $199. You can buy the components or the workouts separately, too. Here’s the link to learn more. You can also keep up with Fluid Running on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Have you ever tried pool running? Let me know your thoughts below! You can continue to follow along with my injury rehab journey on Instagram, Facebook or Strava.
Happy rehabbing,
Becca
Please note: I received a Fluid Running H2Go kit at no cost.
This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing our review. I’ve heard a lot about pool running but i have never tried it before so I have a lot of questions. After reading your blog, I have a better sense of what it’s all about!