Novice or Expert? Eh, I run

I have followed your blog periodically, but did not notice what injury you had that sent you to the pool. Do you feel like pool running keeps you in good running shape? How long is a typical pool session? I'm dealing with an injury and feel I need to do less land running and more pool running, so any input you can give is appreciated.

tendonitis: achilles tendonitis.

at the moment i'm just using the pool because the air in logan is nasty nasty nasty and i can't handle running on a treadmill (or indoor track) for 2 hours a day. but the other reason is that i must own to is that i'm scared the tendonitis will come back. i'm trying to run more on land and less in the pool but i hate running less than an hour in the pool because i feel it's not enough (but i'm weird so don't go by my timetables).

as far as pool running goes (deep water, of course), i wear a belt so i float and can focus on getting the right form. same form as running on land (heel strike, roll to the toe and push off). i sometimes for get about that part and as a result my calves got really weak last year after three months of pool running.

for sanity purposes, i do a lot of intervals (i run in the 'dive tank' of the pool, not in lanes, which is a blessing to have). so, i run ladders or repeats just to help pass the time and to help me focus on running hard and getting a good workout. (easier to forget to run hard int he water). but, there have been studies that have shown pool running to be as effective as land for about 2 months. then land is better. i feel that land is better always, but i have given myself asthma and a good hard workout in the pool, so i can't completely discount it.

Thanks, I appreciate that info.