December is tough!

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2003 14:58:24 GMT

My workouts are demanding for me. With only a year of serious swimming under my belt (under my speedos?), anything between 2500-3000 yards is demanding for me. I mix in a lot of drills and kicking and also some pulling - and do three strokes (no back yet). I guess demanding is relative. However, I know for sure that I am not a "noodler". If I am going to make time to exercise, I want to be tired when I am done. And I want my blood to be "flowing" for several hours afterwards. Nothing beats the "swimmers high". And I am sleeping much better too. I do keep track of my progress in terms of time. Right now my times are not great (100 free in about 1:20 starting in the pool, and a T15 of 950 yards) and I have no real intention of competing against anyone but myself. Somehow, I have only ever thought of my swimming goals in terms of yardage. Maybe if I competed I would see it different and focus more on time. I do work on technique, but could probably benefit from a coach. The closest Master's team is 15 miles away, and they only meet once or twice a week (depending on the time of year). I have not joined because it is tough to make time to go to the Y 1 mile from home and office. The Y where I swim is going to start building a 50 meter pool in the summer, and there is talk about a Master's group starting them. I will probably join at that time, but it is still at least a year away.

RE: December is tough!

aquageek — Tue, 23 Dec 2003 03:04:03 GMT

The new years resolutioners should hold a sale in early February. It's a pity all that shiny new equipment goes to waste in a closet. I know I could use a new gym bag. This notion of trying to swim X billion yards a year is interesting. Is it the distance that is driving you or do you compete and your times are dropping? I've never thought of keeping gross yardarge as a measure. Might be worth considering. Would this demotivate slower sets or sets that are more demanding but less yardage?

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 11:19:38 GMT

Perkunas and botterud - you are correct about the scale being a motivational tool. Aquageek - the pool is less crowded now which is great, but be nice to the resolutioners - I was one myself one year ago. I have done a hair over 300,000 yards my first year. My goal is to hit 450,000 the second year. Thanks to everyone for the motivation. I did get to the pool today and did this... 3x100 free @ 2:00 4x75 @ 2:00 kick/drill/swim (***) 3x50 *** @ 1:10 5x100 drill/swim (***) @2:20 2x400 @ 7:45 (25 ***, 25 free, etc.) 4x50 @ 1:30 *** pull 2x150 @ 2:40 free pull 2x100 free @ 2:00 2750 yards/60 minutes My legs and arms are jelly, my entire body is exhausted. Wow, I feel great!:D

RE: December is tough!

swimr4life — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:02:47 GMT

I have just started swimming in the morning and I love it! The hardest part is getting out of that warm bed! I've found it much easier to get my swimming in during the Christmas rush because nothing can interfere with it at 5:45 in the morning! It gets me up and going and I feel great. I'm able to get more done too! I'm hooked!

RE: December is tough!

waves101 — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 08:28:36 GMT

Due to the hustle and bustle of this time of year.....try swimming in the morning before you get your day rolling. If you already do....welcome to the hustle and bustle time of year!

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sun, 21 Dec 2003 16:44:11 GMT

Scales can be motivating. While others whine about how much or what they can eat, swimmers can take liberties that others would never consider. Swimming helps get my head in order for those gatherings with extended family that bring that unique once-a-year type of stress. Believe it or now, it's actually a time when I can find added opportunities to get to the pool. And not that I'm particularly competitive, but I enjoy training when I know others are slacking their way throught the holiday season. Think about the those in football players in bowl games, it could be the highlight of their athletic existence. We swimmers can make our next swim or race another highlight. Read the "Best Life" article about swimming, others use swimming to overcome serious challenges. Read the "Men's Journal" article about an Ultimate Marathoner - all we do is swim. Or remember the servicemen overseas that would love the chance to workout and spend time with the friends and family back in the States. Honor their sacrifice with some gutty swims. Make a friendly bet with another swimmer. Get to the pool, and find some aspect of your workout to take to the limits - there must be something you still want from your 2003 swimming that's not yet complete.

RE: December is tough!

swimr4life — Sun, 21 Dec 2003 04:11:25 GMT

Perkunas, you are so right! WOW! You need to be a motivational speaker! I'm ready to go for it! Thanks for the encouragement. You need to post more often!

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 17:53:35 GMT

get to it!!!!!

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 16:41:31 GMT

I was having the same problem . . . so I got on the scale this past Tuesday . . . didn't like what I saw . . . lo and behold, I made it to practice on Wed, Thurs, Fri, today and look forward to Mon, Tues etc. my $.02 carl

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 15:28:27 GMT

I agree that it is hard to make the time to swim (or bike or run;) ) during this season, but putting aside a few of those holiday tasks and making time for ourself is the best gift we can give and get to/from ourselves. It sure helps keep those extra pounds away!! Though this is not the season to try to lose any pounds, I have at least been able to stay even:p . Just do it!!! You love yourself afterwards, and amazingly, you still get everything else done! Nancy

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 14:18:58 GMT

You have to make swimming one of your 1st priorities. Put it on your calendar and schedule other things around it.

RE: December is tough!

Former Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 12:04:51 GMT

As my coach would simply say, 'get your a** in the water!!' Happy Holidays, e.

RE: December is tough!

aquageek — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 07:03:21 GMT

I actually find the holiday to be among the best times to swim. It's nice to take a break from holiday pressures, the gyms are usually less crowded (until the New Year's resolutioners show up), everyone is in a good mood and the hot tub at the end is even better since it's cold outside.