I'm a good runner but I can't hold my breath underwater for a long time?

Question

I've been running XC and Track for a few years, and I'm a pretty good runner so I should have good lungs, shouldn't I? But when I swim, I can't hold my breath for that long. I thought I would be able to since I should have strong lungs from running. Anybody know why this happens?

Answer 1

lung capacity isnt all that matters. oxygen in your cells and brain are  what your body is yearning while youre  holding your breathe.  i would think relaxing more slowing down your heartrate would help.

Answer 2

thats the thing underwater you are struggling to stay under tiring you out more

Answer 3

I am a runner as well and have experimented with this quite a bit in my pool :D I find its easy to push myself (I'm used to it from running) easier than my friends. In one session of swimming i lengthened the distance i could swim underwater (i wasn't timing) from 15m to 40m. I think technique is probably important as well so you don't use much energy. I think you have the capacity there but its different underwater because you don't actually breathe.