Swimming Is Helping My Running Due To Improved Lat Involvement And Conditioning Thanks To Jack Heggie

Hi folks,

The Latissimus dorsi muscles are large and important for body function, providing a powerful link between the arms and torso.

I recently posted on the issue of my dramatically improved swim times in the pool as a result of Rick Fee’s encouragement to focus more on conditioning than technique, and my coach indicating how I might engage my lat (Latissimus dorsi) muscles more effectively. Interestingly, I now feel that this is paying dividends for running. I suspect that the benefits derive from both greater flexibility and engagement of my lats, combined with the approach to running that I learned from Jack Heggie’s great book, ‘Running With The Whole Body.’ This little book, which is based to a large extent on the Feldenkrais method, emphasizes relationships between the shoulder girdle and the rest of the body, especially with respect to using spinal elasticity and shoulder movement to power the forward movement of your legs during the recovery component of the stride. The lats provide a major link between the shoulder girdle and hips as they insert along the lower spine. As I run I now feel the engagement of this large muscle group, giving me a feeling of increased power.

It remains to be seen whether this sensation will be reflected in improved race times, but it sure feels good.

-k @FitOldDog

Today’s workouts:

Core, lat cords, and long walk