subject: Improving Your Swimming Kick - Overcoming Runners Kick [print this page] Many people that try the triathlon have what has been called a runners kick when they swim. The runners kick usually comes from being a long time runner and not having much flexibility in the ankles, which in turn gives you a weaker kick. Luckily this is something that can be overcome for the most part if the swimmer takes the time to remedy it.
Having a runners kick can do one of three things, first is it will make you go slower than your potential. Also it is said it can make you swim backwards or even in place, but this sounds pretty drastic. Overcoming your lack of flexibility will help your kick and improve your swim.
The first course of action you should try is do stretching exercises. Try sitting on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you. Reach forward and gently push your toes so they are pointing. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
Another excellent stretch is to sit on your ankles. Kneel on the floor and gently sit back on your ankles till you feel the stretch, hold this position for a count of ten. This may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but it does help.
Swimming with fins will help develop flexibility in your ankles also. Use the shortest fin you can find. The fins will force your foot to flex as you kick and begin to stretch the muscles. You will find that some muscles in your legs will also get stronger doing this. Use the fins for only a couple weeks and dont use them when you are getting close to an event.
