Hi everyone...I've been more of a lurker around here as I recently started working for US Masters as the web contractor, so I've been behind the scenes.
But today, I got back into the pool for the first time in YEARS. I hadn't done any kind of lap swimming for at least 20 years. I have a brand new Masters group just down the road. Problem is, they don't have a coach yet. So if someone can give me some advice, that would be great.
I did 8 laps (200 yards) *** stroke and thought I would die between each one, but it's a starting point. I would rest for about 30 - 45 seconds between each lap (watching hte clock) and then do another lap. After 100 yards I didn't know if I'd be able to double it, but I did.
Short term goal is to be able to do two laps without having to stop and gasp in between. My mid-term goal is to get my stamina back - I was very atheletic for years and most recently used to do a lot of long distance cycling, so I know it'll come back. My longterm goal is also to lose 50 lbs but know that swimming isn't the best way to do that, but it'll certainly tone me up. I'm dieting and doing other exercise but now I have pulled a calf muscle, so until that heals, swimming will be it for me.
If I had tried freestyle, I doubt I would have made it halfway across the pool!
I look forward to help anyone can offer me. I know I need realtime coaching too but that will have to wait for now.
Thanks,
MJB
Parents
Former Member
Hi Marian,
As you may know, there are some more useful resources in the Fitness section of the USMS web site. It sounds like you have some swimming background, but it never hurts to take a refresher course on some of the basics. The "Getting Started" section has articles on Pool Etiquette and Using the Pace Clock -- and also a Pace Chart and Circle Swim Diagram.
The Fitness section also has monthly articles. Topics include: training, health, nutrition, motivation and other topics of interest to all types of swimmers.
If you're looking for something to stay motivated, try one of our Fitness Events:
The Check-Off Challenge encourages you to try all the different strokes and distances, and it can be done at your own pool during lap swim, or in a more structured environment such as a coached practice or swim meet.
The 30-Minute Swim challenges you to see how much you can swim in a half-hour, and is a great way to prepare for the One-Hour Swim and other Long Distance Postal Championship events.
The Virtual Swim Series is designed to take the monotony out of your trips back and forth across the pool. Now you can "Swim America's Waterways" and join others throughout the country and world in applying any pool lengths you actually do to virtually swimming some of the most interesting bodies of water in the US.
Enhance your swimming experience by checking out all the great Fitness resources offered by USMS.
Swimmingly,
Bill
Hi Marian,
As you may know, there are some more useful resources in the Fitness section of the USMS web site. It sounds like you have some swimming background, but it never hurts to take a refresher course on some of the basics. The "Getting Started" section has articles on Pool Etiquette and Using the Pace Clock -- and also a Pace Chart and Circle Swim Diagram.
The Fitness section also has monthly articles. Topics include: training, health, nutrition, motivation and other topics of interest to all types of swimmers.
If you're looking for something to stay motivated, try one of our Fitness Events:
The Check-Off Challenge encourages you to try all the different strokes and distances, and it can be done at your own pool during lap swim, or in a more structured environment such as a coached practice or swim meet.
The 30-Minute Swim challenges you to see how much you can swim in a half-hour, and is a great way to prepare for the One-Hour Swim and other Long Distance Postal Championship events.
The Virtual Swim Series is designed to take the monotony out of your trips back and forth across the pool. Now you can "Swim America's Waterways" and join others throughout the country and world in applying any pool lengths you actually do to virtually swimming some of the most interesting bodies of water in the US.
Enhance your swimming experience by checking out all the great Fitness resources offered by USMS.
Swimmingly,
Bill
