Swimming during OS "Core" days?
Monday and Friday are 'off legs' core days in the OS plan. I'd like to swim one of these days. I would do limited kicking and focus primarily on the pull, form, etc.
I feel like a get a decent core workout swimming, so is there any risk/issues with this approach?
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I've swum 2-3 days a week, 40-45 minutes per session, every OS I've done. The only issue to pay attention to is fatigue - is it impacting you ability to hit your marks on the bike/run days. I doubt you'll have a problem.
The reasons Coach don't suggest it ... it's pretty easy to pick up swimming in a few weeks when starting in season training; swimming is a relatively small percentage of long-distance races, so poor ROI as gaining 1-4 minutes in swim is far overshadowed by ability to generate much bigger improvement in time in bike/run; head space concerns for some athletes who can burn out if focused for too many months on getting workouts in.
In the '60s, we had a saying, "If it feels good, do it." That's what I think about swimming year round - I just feel better when I keep it up regularly instead of start/stop/start.
If you haven;t seen this, here;s the scoop from RnP on swimming in the OutSeason: https://app.box.com/s/r3by7ntthoqoerw8w9m4
Nope, see Al's notes below. I find it's very efficient to combine a swim with core, upper body work. The Rose Bowl (50m pool) even has an outdoor weights area set up where I can knock out cords, core, pullups, pushups...all in the glory of my speedo to the horror of everyone else, I'm sure