I’m still struggling with foot pain and the marathon looms ever closer. I considered buying some time on Savannah’s only zero-gravity treadmill (and I still might), but I wanted a more cost-effective method. So I thought I’d try pool running with plantar fasciitis continuing its lingering hold.

I bought an AquaJogger buoyancy belt (affiliate link, but before you buy, realize that many aquatic centers have belts for use) for pool running, aka deep water running, aka aquajogging.

I’m not going to call it aquajogging.

I’m sorry.

I don’t like the word “jogging”… adding “aqua” as a prefix does not help.

Benefits of pool running with plantar fasciitis (or another injury)

  1. You can keep aerobic fitness for up to 6 weeks (study)
  2. Pool running is the closest cross-training workout, recruiting more correct muscles than cycling or swimming
  3. Zero impact makes it perfect for plantar fasciitis! Only those with hip-flexor and some knee injuries should be wary.
  4. You look really cool in the belt.

Pool running with plantar fasciitis

The AquaJogger: Fun for all ages

I sadly did not buy the shoes or the dumbbells. Although those would have completed the outfit…

The belt fits around the waist with the large foam part in the back. The device claims it has a “versatile fit for both men and women”. I was skeptical because I am half the size of most humans.

Pool running with plantar fasciitis

Adjustable belt for a variety of waist sizes

It did not fit as presented in the diagram, below the rib cage and above the hips. It felt uncomfortable above water. I flashbacked to childhood days of flotation devices pushing me out of the water or rising over my chest into my arm pits. But alas, I had zero problems with it underwater.

Pool running with plantar fasciitis

Wrestling belt… I mean buoyancy belt

I went to my city pool, which I quickly found closed on Fridays. Not discouraged, I paid money to enter my local aquatic center.

I felt like a child putting on her swim wings and rubber-ducky inner tube by the edge of the pool. I felt like a dummy.

But, remember…

this-is-sparta

So I snapped on that sucker and waddled to the ladder.

I was much less embarrassed once I was in neck-deep in the water. Although, I’m sure some people thought I was trying to incorrectly teach myself to swim as I did laps.

How to: pool running with plantar fasciitis

  1. The belt floats you neck-deep with your head above water. Find a depth where you cannot reach the bottom with your feet (for me, that was not very deep).
  2. Remain upright or slightly forward with a straight posture, tight core, and pelvic tilt. Don’t bend at the waist or hunch your back.
  3. High knee up and push down with a flexed foot, with a runner-like follow-through.
  4. Pump your arms at 90 degree angles, similar to running.
  5. Tada, you’re pool running! You may move forward, or you may not.

My experience pool running with plantar fasciitis

With the increased resistance and lower heart rate, I struggled to judge and keep up harder efforts/intensities. It’s not like a treadmill that will throw you off if you slow down or swimming where you… drown. My body didn’t give me a lot of feedback — or maybe I’m just not attuned to it yet. Sheer will and determination kept my legs moving.

I did 15 min easy pace, pyramid of 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1 minutes of higher intensity with 1 min active recover, then 12 minutes easy pace. = 60 minutes

I can’t lie. It was boring.

Only my desire to gain fitness kept me in the pool.

At the end, I felt like I did a good workout, a harder workout than running 2 miles and a more aerobic workout than yoga class. My muscles felt tired and my appetite was up.

Those are good signs.

Sources and Further Reading

Related Posts:

*Note: this post has Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and buy a product, I may earn a small commission. It does not cost you extra, but helps support me and my blog. Thanks!

Are you struggling with an injury?

Do you think you will try pool running?