I'm struggling. Went to Mexico almost 3 weeks for a cousin's wedding. Got something. Had a fever the first 5 days, and other GI issues for a total of 10 days. Out of the water a bit over 2 weeks. Lost 9 pounds. It was pretty brutal. I think I actually missed the coffee more than beer or wine!
Anyway, finally started recovering last Wednesday, and by Friday I was able to eat a normal meal. I'm still down a little weight, don't know how much is dehydration and how much is muscle/fat mass. Anyway, tried to do a workout yesterday. It was pretty tough. Hackett set, added 5 seconds to each rep (50's). Was able to slog through it, but my stroke count was WAY up, 15-16 and I'm usually 11-12 for this set. Tried again this morning, with strokes in IM order. Ugh. Free was better, but as soon as I did a 50 of fly, it killed me. Cut the set short because I was just plain exhausted. And my fly anyway was horrendous (back and *** were okay).
So has anyone dealt with a prolonged virus or other sickness like the flu or whatever that had you down and out for a long period of time? How did you get back into things? There is a new Masters program near me I may go check out (will still be primarily solo swimming), but I don't really want to go until I'm somewhat back in shape. Should I stop doing intervals, and just do some longer, slower paced swims? Should I give it more time? Should I try to do what I did Monday, keep the same distance, but add some extra rest time between reps? Anything diet-wise? I've been just trying to eat a lot in general to get my weight back. Yesterday I added a good deal more protein. Think I may do that, again today.
When you returned - did you see a doc? Maybe something is still ginning on. Slow and thoughtful swimming with work on stroke may be the best way back.
Yes, was put on Azithromycin last Tuesday. My wife (who is also a physician) is encouraging me to just take it easy for a bit longer, but I'd rather try to get back to form more quickly......if I don't cause more harm than good by pushing it.
I had pneumonia last March. Out of the water 3 wk and it took me another month before I could do do real workouts. As I was getting back in shape I was not doing long slow stuff as I hate that. I was doing sort of kind of USRPT, except that instead of race pace I was going 80% and instead of 15-20 sec rest I was going when my HR dropped to 120-130.BPM. I also really focused on technique.That way I was able to ease back without regressing from over doing.
I had pneumonia last March. Out of the water 3 wk and it took me another month before I could do do real workouts. As I was getting back in shape I was not doing long slow stuff as I hate that. I was doing sort of kind of USRPT, except that instead of race pace I was going 80% and instead of 15-20 sec rest I was going when my HR dropped to 120-130.BPM. I also really focused on technique.That way I was able to ease back without regressing from over doing.
Thank you. I follow the prior coach's workouts on the Basic Training page, which are similar to USRPT. So I've modified that, basically increasing interval to account for slower speed. Took your input this morning, and found it to be helpful. Was a "choice stroke" today, which I generally pick to be fly. Fly is challenging for me at a reduced effort while maintaining good form, especially in a compromised state of conditioning, but just doing 25's was manageable (50's on Tuesday killed me). Following my interval, my HR was getting up around 170+ as I got into the last part of the main set, but letting it drop down to the 120-130 range rather than just following the interval made all the difference in the world. Thanks!
Thank you. I follow the prior coach's workouts on the Basic Training page, which are similar to USRPT. So I've modified that, basically increasing interval to account for slower speed. Took your input this morning, and found it to be helpful. Was a "choice stroke" today, which I generally pick to be fly. Fly is challenging for me at a reduced effort while maintaining good form, especially in a compromised state of conditioning, but just doing 25's was manageable (50's on Tuesday killed me). Following my interval, my HR was getting up around 170+ as I got into the last part of the main set, but letting it drop down to the 120-130 range rather than just following the interval made all the difference in the world. Thanks!
So glad it helped.
The HR is a good gauge of what your body is ready for. Just listen to it for a week or two. When you get tired or when you feel like you're wiped out the rest of the day, slow it down or stop. It takes a bit. I had a really bad flu that the after-effects lingered for weeks afterwards. It took about a month to get back to normal again that time. Your mileage may vary. :)
it seems to me that you are looking to get back in the water very quickly. there is nothing wrong with that but considering everythign you mentioned above, you might want to take it easy. especially if you had a GI, which can weaken you and your immune system. the more intervals you do, the more stress you are going to create for you body and the longer you are going to take to heal and even longer to get in shape. shape is also a big word to live up to, as longer as you are moving, agile, and healthy, youre in shape. try to take it easy, and swim at 65% for 40 minutes, it might do you good. as for your GI, try to find healthy bacteria to replenish your gut flora.
my name is Joey, i swam for team usa and now i work with master athletes in regards to physical fitness and nutrition, if you are interested in learning more, send me a message. Hope all is well.
