I am 52 and just returned to the pool after a 26 year layoff (I didn't do any workout at all during that time). I have been back for about 4 months now and am swimming a mile 3 times a week. I usually do kicks and sprints afterwards.
My question is about heart rates. After finishing the mile swim my heart rate has been from 140-160. If I don't speed up the last 10 or so laps, it will be in the 140 range. If I pick up the pace it has been in the 160 range. It usually takes me about 22 minutes to do the mile.
I have been told that my heart rate is too high and I should slow down to bring it to about 110-120. I haven't experienced any problems that tells me they are right. Has anyone else experienced high heart rates for long term workouts or am I being mislead?
Jim, here is my story for what it is worth. Last year, August 2002, age 49, I also returned to swimming after 30 yrs off. I had not swam since high school. For a few months I struggled and it seemed I was not getting in better shape, at least aerobically. On a cold night in January of this year I left practice (we usually do about 3000 yds.) and when I felt the cold air I immediately felt a lump in my throat. By the time I arrived home I had a pain in my left arm. To make a long story short, my wife an RN , recognized I was having a heart attack and took me to the hospital. Thankfully, or I am certain my story would not be the same. The next day I had an angioplasty and 2 stents implanted. I was 80% accluded in 2 arteries due to my high cholesterol which I had known about but had stopped taking my medication for. Two weeks later with the Dr.s encouragement I returned to practice. I have felt myself improving ever since. My times are starting to get respectable (50 yd free - 26.36, 100 yd free58.55 etc..). Last week I wore my wife's heart rate monitor to practice (she is a very good competitive runner), my average HR was 141. The max HR after some hard work was 161. My advice- get a check up on your arterial health, know the warning signs, and keep swimming.
Jim, here is my story for what it is worth. Last year, August 2002, age 49, I also returned to swimming after 30 yrs off. I had not swam since high school. For a few months I struggled and it seemed I was not getting in better shape, at least aerobically. On a cold night in January of this year I left practice (we usually do about 3000 yds.) and when I felt the cold air I immediately felt a lump in my throat. By the time I arrived home I had a pain in my left arm. To make a long story short, my wife an RN , recognized I was having a heart attack and took me to the hospital. Thankfully, or I am certain my story would not be the same. The next day I had an angioplasty and 2 stents implanted. I was 80% accluded in 2 arteries due to my high cholesterol which I had known about but had stopped taking my medication for. Two weeks later with the Dr.s encouragement I returned to practice. I have felt myself improving ever since. My times are starting to get respectable (50 yd free - 26.36, 100 yd free58.55 etc..). Last week I wore my wife's heart rate monitor to practice (she is a very good competitive runner), my average HR was 141. The max HR after some hard work was 161. My advice- get a check up on your arterial health, know the warning signs, and keep swimming.
