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
My longterm goal is also to lose 50 lbs but know that swimming isn't the best way to do that,
mbriones,
I don't agree about swimming not being the best method of weight loss.....I am 5'11'' and medium framed but weighed 275 + pounds in Mid May....I started swimming again (after a lay off of about 18 years) around Mid May and having been swimming regurly every since....Now I'm down to 210 pounds. The fat literally melted right off of me. I think swimming is amongst the best exercises for losing weight. I also started like you...I could barely swim 2 or 3 laps at first....Now I swim several miles at a time with no problem....I swim multiple 100 butterfly sets and 200 I.M. sets with no problems.....You WILL get better....It won't even really take that long.....Just keep doing it and you will see. You may not see that much improvement for a few weeks..BUT it will come.....You will be amazed 4 months down the road how far you came....and that 50 pounds will be long gone!!
newmastersswimmer
My longterm goal is also to lose 50 lbs but know that swimming isn't the best way to do that,
mbriones,
I don't agree about swimming not being the best method of weight loss.....I am 5'11'' and medium framed but weighed 275 + pounds in Mid May....I started swimming again (after a lay off of about 18 years) around Mid May and having been swimming regurly every since....Now I'm down to 210 pounds. The fat literally melted right off of me. I think swimming is amongst the best exercises for losing weight. I also started like you...I could barely swim 2 or 3 laps at first....Now I swim several miles at a time with no problem....I swim multiple 100 butterfly sets and 200 I.M. sets with no problems.....You WILL get better....It won't even really take that long.....Just keep doing it and you will see. You may not see that much improvement for a few weeks..BUT it will come.....You will be amazed 4 months down the road how far you came....and that 50 pounds will be long gone!!
newmastersswimmer
