Hello all,
As I mentioned in a previous post, I've just gotten back into the pool after about 12 years. I've been back for about 1 1/2 months now and have noticed great improvement already. What seems to be holding me back is a lack of stamina. For example, we did a set of 10 50 free's yesterday and I was really happy with my first (00:44----yay me! huge improvement) but then I just died after that and could barely even finish the rest.
Any specific training tips for improving my stamina or do I just need to keep at it?
Thanks,
Kirstie
Parents
Former Member
Congrats on that fast 50! And just think, you're only going to get faster! How awesome is that?
For stamina when I started back after 10 years off, I did sets of 200's. Although I really don't like swimming "distance"--and to me a 200 is distance--I did it anyway, and found that it helped me get through the hard sprint sets, in which I could swim faster for a longer amount of time--not just one or two fast 50's.
One thing I'm incoporating, and today was the first day actually, is 6x200 with 30-60 seconds rest between each 200. This set I'll do once or twice a week in addition to one distance swim workout, and expect to gain muscular endurance, and cardiovasculare efficiency.
When you have a hard sprint set--remember that you've got 10 repeats or so, and if you spend all you've got on the first 50, the other 50s won't be as productive. If you start out a little slower (just a second or two), and build, then your last 50's should be the fastest. Aim to make the last 2, 3, or 4 the fastest of the set, and you will greatly improve your endurance and speed.
Also, it sounds like you swim with other people...don't worry if it seems your behind during the first few...because in the end, they'll be sinking, and you'll be kicking their butts. It's always empowering to finish strong.
Have a great time!
JoAnne
;)
Congrats on that fast 50! And just think, you're only going to get faster! How awesome is that?
For stamina when I started back after 10 years off, I did sets of 200's. Although I really don't like swimming "distance"--and to me a 200 is distance--I did it anyway, and found that it helped me get through the hard sprint sets, in which I could swim faster for a longer amount of time--not just one or two fast 50's.
One thing I'm incoporating, and today was the first day actually, is 6x200 with 30-60 seconds rest between each 200. This set I'll do once or twice a week in addition to one distance swim workout, and expect to gain muscular endurance, and cardiovasculare efficiency.
When you have a hard sprint set--remember that you've got 10 repeats or so, and if you spend all you've got on the first 50, the other 50s won't be as productive. If you start out a little slower (just a second or two), and build, then your last 50's should be the fastest. Aim to make the last 2, 3, or 4 the fastest of the set, and you will greatly improve your endurance and speed.
Also, it sounds like you swim with other people...don't worry if it seems your behind during the first few...because in the end, they'll be sinking, and you'll be kicking their butts. It's always empowering to finish strong.
Have a great time!
JoAnne
;)
