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 gang
Well, I'm continuing my workouts; just completed my third week of being in the water. Made some major milestones this week. First, and try not to laugh, I did 2 laps without having to stop in between! That was major. The next thing was that I started integrating some Freestyle. My *** stroke is my strongest stroke and I used our clock yesterday to time myself - 28 seconds (25 yards). I used to race with my *** stroke and my sister and I were talking about it (she's a master's swimmer - 30 + years now!) and she remembers my fast *** stroke when I was a kid.
A lady in our group, very experienced, was coaching me and encouraged me to go slower. It had never occurred to me to do that; I have always gotten into the pool and gone flat out no holds barred. So I learned the importance of establishing a comfortable pace, which allows me to do more laps back to back and I am feeling good.
I have also noticed that my body is changing. I am toning up all over and am losing fat on my thighs. In fact, my thighs are 'flattening out' on the sides. I have never seen an exercise regime produce results like this so quickly. I have heard that fat loss is difficult when swimming, but if you swim hard enough, it'll happen. I think it is!
So I'm at 500 yards right now in a half hour. I'm going to increase it by 10% starting Monday. I read in the "Getting started" article section that an increase of 10% is healthy and will avoid injury. I also bought the Fitness swimming book loaded with workouts. I have to get the syntax down on the names of the strokes, but I see some workouts in there I can definitely do!
Off to eat breakfast. A light breakfast.
Hi gang
Well, I'm continuing my workouts; just completed my third week of being in the water. Made some major milestones this week. First, and try not to laugh, I did 2 laps without having to stop in between! That was major. The next thing was that I started integrating some Freestyle. My *** stroke is my strongest stroke and I used our clock yesterday to time myself - 28 seconds (25 yards). I used to race with my *** stroke and my sister and I were talking about it (she's a master's swimmer - 30 + years now!) and she remembers my fast *** stroke when I was a kid.
A lady in our group, very experienced, was coaching me and encouraged me to go slower. It had never occurred to me to do that; I have always gotten into the pool and gone flat out no holds barred. So I learned the importance of establishing a comfortable pace, which allows me to do more laps back to back and I am feeling good.
I have also noticed that my body is changing. I am toning up all over and am losing fat on my thighs. In fact, my thighs are 'flattening out' on the sides. I have never seen an exercise regime produce results like this so quickly. I have heard that fat loss is difficult when swimming, but if you swim hard enough, it'll happen. I think it is!
So I'm at 500 yards right now in a half hour. I'm going to increase it by 10% starting Monday. I read in the "Getting started" article section that an increase of 10% is healthy and will avoid injury. I also bought the Fitness swimming book loaded with workouts. I have to get the syntax down on the names of the strokes, but I see some workouts in there I can definitely do!
Off to eat breakfast. A light breakfast.
