I'm just getting back into the sport after a 25 year layoff. Currently I'm just swimming in a pair of board shorts I have that I wear when we go to the beach etc and a pair of cheap half broken goggles that my 9 y/o son uses. My question is should I start out with a pair of Jammers and see how those work? I am a pretty big guy at 6'2 255 so I'm just wondering how they will fit.
My second question is do people see some improvement in times just from not wearing the board shorts which I assume cause a lot of drag?
I am contemplating entering my first Masters Meet on March 2nd after only 5 swim workouts. I figure might as well be training for something!
Do they tend to fit towards what your waist size is? Or how do you measure? Just try on?
Here's the speedo size chart: www.swimoutlet.com/sizing_chart_detail.asp
I just bought a pair of Speedo vanquisher goggles from swim outlet: www.swimoutlet.com/.../1642.htm Goggles fit different people differently but these are on sale for $12.00.
You will be much faster in a jammer than in board shorts. You will be able to swim longer as well. I second Allen's suggestion on the suit. Endurance stuff lasts a long time and it is usually a better value than Lycra even at full price.
Other things you may need for the meet:
* Cap - I use these: www.swimoutlet.com/.../2884.htm Sometimes these don't fit well so you might want to try one on first. Lots of others can be bought for $2-$5. Silicone tends to last longer than latex for me.
* Towel - you probably already have one of these.
* Warm clothes - I bring sweat pants and a loose fitting long sleeved shirt. Stay warm in between events.
* Food (if the meet allows it) - Energy bars, candy, fruits, nuts... whatever gets you going.
* Music - Set your playlist up with whatever gets you in the mood to compete.
I have a similar story. I was out 20 years and got back in in Oct last year. I started in board shorts and quickly moved to jammers. I felt a bit odd at first but got used to them pretty quick. I have poor vision and bought some perscription goggles for about $13 from swim outlet which made a huge difference(i can actually see the clock now). I also set a weight loss goal and went from 223 to 188 at Christmas and i am currently 183(6'5"). It took me about a month to get any feel for the water but it does come back and the second go around its more fun!!!! Good luck.
Former Member
Do they tend to fit towards what your waist size is? Or how do you measure? Just try on?
For a training suit I would go 1-2 sizes under. If you wear a 33-34" pants buy a 32" suit. Also make sure you buy a suit marked endurance or made of polyester as they will last years instead of months.
Former Member
Dang dude... y ou dropped 40lbs in 2+ months??? How much yd were you putting in? did you also change your eating habits? I have always been a sprint type of athlete. I sprinted in track and was a long and triple jumper in HS. So i'm starting with the 50 free/br and maybe 100 free.
Last night I decided to try and see how my times were just by timing some 25's and I was able to go under 14 for 25's with just an in the water start so i was happy w that. Felt a lot easier to swim for me going faster than when I would just put a long. I'm nervous to start diving off the blocks since its been 25 years!
A jammer has much less drag than a board suit.Speedo Endurance or a similar suit is a good bargain.I just saw this one on sale with sizes up to 38 www.swimoutlet.com/.../7886.htm .Good luck.You may want to get a racing jammer for future meets,but an endurance jammer will be so much faster than what you are swimming in now I suspect you'll be satisfied.
Former Member
Do they tend to fit towards what your waist size is? Or how do you measure? Just try on?
Dang dude... y ou dropped 40lbs in 2+ months??? How much yd were you putting in? did you also change your eating habits? I have always been a sprint type of athlete. I sprinted in track and was a long and triple jumper in HS. So i'm starting with the 50 free/br and maybe 100 free.
Last night I decided to try and see how my times were just by timing some 25's and I was able to go under 14 for 25's with just an in the water start so i was happy w that. Felt a lot easier to swim for me going faster than when I would just put a long. I'm nervous to start diving off the blocks since its been 25 years!
Yes it was a big drop over about 12 weeks. I set a calorie goal and stuck to it. I used my fitness pal on my iPad religiously and worked out for about an hour 3-5 mornings a week. My biggest changes were dropping beer(which I love), dairy, and dressings on alads and sandwiches. I also love oatmeal so would use this as my filler food whenever I got hungry. Honestly this was not as tough as it sounds. The swimming gets easier and once your lungs comeback you will see your times dropping. Keep having fun, and enjoy the journey.
For me the starts off the block were a bit of a shock, climbing up, height to water surface, and starting with goggles on. I had never raced with goggles on, but i need them now in order to see, so figure this out ahead and my sense of balance ain't as good as when i was youngster.
Its was hard for me to find a pool with the blocks in place to practice. I got a few block starts in the morning before my first meet and that at least settled my nerves a bit, but more starts would've been helpful. Try to find a pool where you can practice. Usually at most meets there is a lane or two open for starts during warm-up, but you really don't that to be your only practice experience.
I don't have access to starting blocks and at my first meet I was shocked how scary the blocks seemed. I used to hop up on those all the time. Now I'm envisioning this: 24.media.tumblr.com/.../tumblr_mg0vejHrYy1r3gb3zo1_400.gif
:lmao: That's hilarious! That poor kid...:bighug:
