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
I may have posted this before, but here it is again...
If you have been out of the water for a longtime, your first work outs should be slow and easy trying to hold good form.
A good start would be to do 1 mile or 2000 mtrs a day (don't forget to take a day or two off a week). Stop as many times as you wish using any stroke, until you can complete the swim without stopping. Don't increase your distance during the first week. After the first week, or once you attain the nonstop swim, go an little farther.
Compare yourself to a race horse that has been turned out and rested. Go at a leisurely speed or you will breakdown. This slow work builds the capillary system.
A race horse jogs or does easy work for six weeks before it starts to do timed work outs. Don't do repeats or sprints until you are ready. Again be sure you take one or two days rest each week.
George Park www.swimdownhill.com
I may have posted this before, but here it is again...
If you have been out of the water for a longtime, your first work outs should be slow and easy trying to hold good form.
A good start would be to do 1 mile or 2000 mtrs a day (don't forget to take a day or two off a week). Stop as many times as you wish using any stroke, until you can complete the swim without stopping. Don't increase your distance during the first week. After the first week, or once you attain the nonstop swim, go an little farther.
Compare yourself to a race horse that has been turned out and rested. Go at a leisurely speed or you will breakdown. This slow work builds the capillary system.
A race horse jogs or does easy work for six weeks before it starts to do timed work outs. Don't do repeats or sprints until you are ready. Again be sure you take one or two days rest each week.
George Park www.swimdownhill.com
