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
It seems like you are making good progress; ten weeks is not a lot of time to go from a guppy to a dolphin... And a time of 1:45, while it will not qualify you for the Olympics, is nothing to sneeze at considering your starting point. I wouldn't focus so much on time, but on being able to swim more repeats and/or one 100 without feeling like you are going to hurl.
My overall freestyle advice is threefold:
1. breathe every third stroke - it'll help make you streamline.
2. practice controlled breathing: don't gulp air then hold your breath underwater; exhale completely before turning your head to breathe.
3. stretch your stroke out at both ends. Really extend your arm on the entry and push your hand right down and under your thigh on the exit. Think long powerful strokes rather than short explosive strokes. See if you can get someone to video tape you - you'll probably be amazed at how short your stroke really is (I know I was...)
As well, don't ignore the other strokes. By practicing a second stroke you will pick up little "feels" for the water - entry, catch, roll, head position, etc.
Welcome to swimming! You have the rest of your life to get better, so don't worry about it!
It seems like you are making good progress; ten weeks is not a lot of time to go from a guppy to a dolphin... And a time of 1:45, while it will not qualify you for the Olympics, is nothing to sneeze at considering your starting point. I wouldn't focus so much on time, but on being able to swim more repeats and/or one 100 without feeling like you are going to hurl.
My overall freestyle advice is threefold:
1. breathe every third stroke - it'll help make you streamline.
2. practice controlled breathing: don't gulp air then hold your breath underwater; exhale completely before turning your head to breathe.
3. stretch your stroke out at both ends. Really extend your arm on the entry and push your hand right down and under your thigh on the exit. Think long powerful strokes rather than short explosive strokes. See if you can get someone to video tape you - you'll probably be amazed at how short your stroke really is (I know I was...)
As well, don't ignore the other strokes. By practicing a second stroke you will pick up little "feels" for the water - entry, catch, roll, head position, etc.
Welcome to swimming! You have the rest of your life to get better, so don't worry about it!
