I've been swimming now for about 10 weeks - typically 3X (at least) per week under the guidence of a coach. I've never swum before, but I've been a "runner" (more like a "shuffler") for many years. I'm 49 years old.
My question is this:
How long (time in the pool) should I expect it to take for my body to build enough endurance to start really decreasing my interval times? In 10 weeks I've gone from barely finishing 25yds without exhausting myself, to a steady 1:45 (maybe 1:50) for a 100 free (no flip turns yet - but I'm working on that). I seem to be "stuck" at the 1:45 mark forever.
I know technique is key and I've attented stroke clinics to help, but just how long should I tolerate these pathetic times before I give up and live life in the "slow lane?" I love this sport and wish I would have started 40 years ago, but I want desperately to improve my times. Also it's pretty frustrating to be completely exhausted after only 4X150 free.
Any advise/help would be appreciated
Doug
Parents
Former Member
I coach an age-group team and a masters team... I've taught adult swim lessons for a few years now...
First, I have to say...you are making progress!! Miss one of your normal workouts and you'll feel it...the difference it makes...
Second, you said you are a runner...now I obviously haven't seen you swim but I read an article in Swim about a year or so ago about runners and the way they kick... When running your ankle is flexed to cushion the shock..but in swimming they need to be toally loose. I have found this article to be extremly true in my adult lessons and team. I would really focus on the kick to see if you are exerting some extra energy there that is slowing you down and wearing you out. You should kick as if you are trying to kick socks off. It would be a great idea to put on a pair of socks that are a little lose and kick some laps in them. If you are kciking properly they should come off fairly easily... When I really focused on my kick (other issues I had to work out) I became dramaticlly faster and was less fatiqued.
Hope this helps.
PS! I love the fast, faster, and fastest lane idea...i am so goign to use that in my practices!!
I coach an age-group team and a masters team... I've taught adult swim lessons for a few years now...
First, I have to say...you are making progress!! Miss one of your normal workouts and you'll feel it...the difference it makes...
Second, you said you are a runner...now I obviously haven't seen you swim but I read an article in Swim about a year or so ago about runners and the way they kick... When running your ankle is flexed to cushion the shock..but in swimming they need to be toally loose. I have found this article to be extremly true in my adult lessons and team. I would really focus on the kick to see if you are exerting some extra energy there that is slowing you down and wearing you out. You should kick as if you are trying to kick socks off. It would be a great idea to put on a pair of socks that are a little lose and kick some laps in them. If you are kciking properly they should come off fairly easily... When I really focused on my kick (other issues I had to work out) I became dramaticlly faster and was less fatiqued.
Hope this helps.
PS! I love the fast, faster, and fastest lane idea...i am so goign to use that in my practices!!
