Training after 65

Hi Allen, If I were to boil your post down, are you essentially looking for ways to reduce rest and recovery for those in their 70's? I have related post but I'm in my 50's. My post, however, has more to do with reducing recovery time. My question is about how to adjust training to stay competative and competative and motivated as we age.

Hi Allen, if you are going to be in hood River for the Association meet, Let's sit and chat. Far too long with too many variables to post here. Will offer my thoughts in person. I will be helping is some manner - probably officiating. paul

Hi Allen, If I were to boil your post down, are you essentially looking for ways to reduce rest and recovery for those in their 70's? I have related post but I'm in my 50's. My post, however, has more to do with reducing recovery time.

Allen, I am in your boat! It takes way longer to recover from a workout and that's with a nap afterwards! I'm 78. Last August I had *** cancer surgery with radiation following. I couldn't train in my lane because I couldn't keep up, couldn't do the volume of the workout, and needed time to get my fitness back. Luckily, on most days, I was able to swim by myself in a lane or at least do my own workout in the lane. What I learned was, I could eliminate a lot of the accessory yards and focus solely on technique and kicking - no clock involved. After a few weeks I added at least one effort swim to the training. That made warmup (1000 with 4 x 25 stroke drills), a main set that included something with effort that I did use the clock for, some kicking and warmdown. Most days 2000-2200 yards total. I was pleasantly surprised by my times at a mid-January meet and was eagerly looking forward to seeing what they are now, before everything got cancelled. I even did 3040 yards for the hour swim which really surprised me as I haven't done any distance training! What I'm trying to say is that for me bringing the volume down and focusing mainly on technique and not expending energy on accessory yardage, I've been able to handle my training pretty well. I do take a nap, 1-2 hours, and don't walk around perpetually tired anymore. I don't do multiple 200s or 100s without a break, like 3 x 100 followed by a 50 or 100 recovery before I might try it again - or not. I listen to my body and if it's not up to speed, I focus on something else. I had a friend who when she was 86 and breaking the records she'd set as 85, I asked her how she could do that? I've never forgotten her answer, "I'm not going to get fitter but I can always improve my technique." So there you go. For me it was accepting that things have changed and for me to stay competitive, I have to change. Unfortunately I won't be able to evaluate my short course training by the clock this year but I am sure it's working. Accepting where you are at this moment and not where you were months, years, or decades ago, is the key to creating a training plan that will move you forward.

At 67, my impression is that successful training means allowing sufficient recovery, and slow, patient ramping up of training. IMO, With aging, sustainability is the first consideration in a workout program.

Hi Allen, I hope this message finds you well! My name is Joey, I swam for Team USA a few years back. I am currently coaching swimming, doing personal training, and a nutrition specialist. After reading this forum, i have a lot of question. One of them being, what are you training for? if you can get your heart rate to 180 ( very impressive), i think you are in pretty good shape. But the questions that you are asking are very broad and require more in-depth searching. I would love to help you and find out more of what you are trying to achieve, i do believe i can help, or point you int he right direction. Please feel free to get back to me, id really love to help. Cheers, Stay Safe Joey

Joey, I know your question was directed to Allen Stark, but King Frog is waaaay to modest to be completely forthcoming with his swimming background to paint an accurate picture. My fellow frog held the 200 Meter Breaststroke Masters World Record in previous age groups. :chug:

Last year I got the NR in the 200 LCM BR, my 100 was good also, but my 50 was not as fast as I expected. Last year's (2019) SCY was affected by my getting pneumonia in March and missing Nationals. I was hoping to go faster in San Antonio, but of course that didn't happen. My shoulders are getting better and I want to be able to do 200 Fly at meets this year( if there are meets this year) but mostly I just concentrate on ***, all 3 distances. I prefer the 100, but 200 LCM is my best race.

Last year I got the NR in the 200 LCM BR Oh yeah, that's right! Well, then, King Frog, I'm glad you spoke (Ribbit!) up! I'm proud of you for croaking that out. :applaud: