I haven't been in the pool in over a week. My dog had some serious surgery. The experience sapped my energy, and I just lost interest in doing any exercise, including swimming. I've been too tired to do much of anything but sit in front of the tV and catch up with Orange is the New Black and Longmire. I've only been swimming six months, and on top of the doggy issue, am discouraged with my lack of progress i.e., being the slowest one in the lane. Is it possible this is just newbie burnout, and I'll get my swimming mojo back? When I swim I'm careful to eat clean, but of course the bad stuff has worked its way back into my diet.
I'd like to know whether any of you go through swimming burnout, or if you did at the beginning when you were just really learning the sport (if you can remember that far back LOL), and how you push through the stressful times that threaten to sideline you and halt any progress you're making.
Denise -
IMO, go ahead and get in the water with the team. Even if you only start out doing warm up and getting out for the first few weeks, you are going to find that having other people you regularly share the experience with, and who will encourage you, will make a huge difference in your desire to go back in.
I now swim solo (no local team in driving distance) and I can tell you it is hard to motivate onesself every practice. Having a team of people you know who also know you really makes a difference. (And they will more likley than not be more than willing to give you pointers!)
Keep swimming!
It's interesting that this thread popped up again. I've been struggling to get back into the water after a shoulder injury that had me out for two months. I did get in the pool once this week, and plan on going back today. I was gasping after only one lap. For me it's getting my breathing back and being able to just relax. I haven't lost technique and my kick is actually stronger. But stamina wise, it's two steps forward and three back.
Just as you are a good friend to your dog, a Masters team is a good friend to those that have a "down day/week/month" Even after 27 years in masters swimming , I have down times that relate to home life, used to be work crap & life in general, the people in & around my lane have been a source of good cheer & at times restorers of my fun brain functions. Try to find time to join a team. Sometimes it's more fun than workouts make it sound.
orca1946, I actually do know a good Master's team but I feel like I really need to build stamina and get my shoulder back in good working order before attempting something that challenging. I still hurt and I only did 10 very easy laps today. Plus, I hate sharing a lane LOL so that probably doesn't make me a good Master's candidate.
Denise - many of our swimmers are recovering from surgery at some point during the season. Maybe you can just do warm up with the team if it's too crowded to share a lane with others that might not be able to do a full workout. Talk with the coach about your concerns. Yes, if you want to build up distance on your own, go ahead, but as you hear from us on teams , it is helpful to have teammates to talk to & help with your swims. good luck. Let us know how it goes. OZ
I would echo the thoughts of working out with the master's team/coach even if you're not in your best shape. An experienced coach should be able to help with your shoulder issues as chances are you are going to be "off" after injury.
When I was injured, going to master's was what kept me sane. It was important to me to stay in shape and keep my feel for the water (and see my friends) while I was recovering. The coach would modify sets for me to minimize stress on my shoulder and I worked A LOT on kicking.
Talk to the coach and see how they can help - wouldn't hurt to ask. Good luck!
I haven't been in the pool in over a week. My dog had some serious surgery. The experience sapped my energy, and I just lost interest in doing any exercise, including swimming. I've been too tired to do much of anything but sit in front of the tV and catch up with Orange is the New Black and Longmire. I've only been swimming six months, and on top of the doggy issue, am discouraged with my lack of progress i.e., being the slowest one in the lane. Is it possible this is just newbie burnout, and I'll get my swimming mojo back? When I swim I'm careful to eat clean, but of course the bad stuff has worked its way back into my diet.
I'd like to know whether any of you go through swimming burnout, or if you did at the beginning when you were just really learning the sport (if you can remember that far back LOL), and how you push through the stressful times that threaten to sideline you and halt any progress you're making.Any chance you've been over-training and your body needs to rest and recuperate? I have been amazed at just how important the proper amount of rest is for increasing fitness and performance.
I agree that your dog would want you to swim and especially agree with the idea of a long, relaxing swim. I am not particularly competitive and swim for fitness and let my body increase it's stamina subconsciously. Sometimes when I set conscious goals, it backfires on me. Just thought I'd offer a Zen of Swimming alternative perspective.
robrecht, I like the image of Zen of Swimming. My physical therapist almost had a conniption when I told her I'd done a lousy 10 slow laps. Resting is about the only thing I've done, aside from a few trips to the pool and some deep water running.
FYI, this is an older thread. My doggie is doing fine. :banana:
