Hello everyone - I am new to this group. I have been swimming freestyle for several years now and really enjoy it. I have worked hard at perfecting my stroke. I know what I should be doing and try hard to put it into practice. I have definitely become a stronger swimmer. I have a condition called "pectus excavatum". It makes my chest look a bit goofy with a depression in the centre and oversised lower ribs (called flared ribs). Some of you may have noticed that Peter van den hoogenband has it. I have read some articles that it can reduce your lung capacity. When swimming freestyle I have to stop for several minutes every 50 metres and was wondering whether this could be caused by my condition. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Regards Johnathon:confused:
Former Member
I have a somewhat minor case of PE, meaning that some don't notice it and others do. I have never seen a picture of Hoogie so I can't compare mine to his.
Thanks for your reply 330man. There is a picture of Hoogie at the following link www.geocities.com/.../pose35.jpg
I would say my p.e. is more severe than his.
As your pectus escavatum is minor I guess you dont' consider it has any impact on your swimming ability?
Regards - Johnathnon
When I started swimming back in August I could not travel more than 50 yards in a 25 yard pool without feeling winded. After that first 50 I would need a breather after every 25. My heartrate was up around 160 after swimmng over 100 yards so I saw my cardiologist. He said more than likely I was just out of shape and that I should keep pumping along and watching my heartrate. 220 minus your age is the maximum, 190 is my max. Since then I have worked my way up to swimming 800 yards in 18-20 minutes and 1750 in under an hour. I suggest that you keep plugging along and you will probably surprise yourself with you capability. I have seen writeups from people online that have had PE reversal surgery and the majority do not notice any newfound athletic ability. Give it some time would be my guess. I think the reason most people have the procedure is for cosmetic reasons. I figure that if I can swim and swim well with PE that is better than somebody who can swim well without PE. Be proud of the body you have and don't let others opinions affect you. I know I have gone off in left field here but I think you catch my drift. BTW, I would say that my PE is similar to Hoogie's but it is difficult to tell with a 2 dimensional picture from the front. Not much worse and not much better.
I just noticed that you have been swimming for "years". Assuming that your breathing technique is good and you swim a few times a week I can't think of why you would not be able to swim more than 50 Meters. How often do you breathe? I breathe on every left recovery and am working on becoming more bilaterral. As far as frequency of swimming, I usually swim about 5 to 6 times a week for about an hour each time. On weekends I will stay at least an hour and swim a mile or more.
Thank you again for taking to the time to provide your advice, 330man. You touched on the psychological and the physical.
To respond on the psychological: -
I don’t let my PE prevent me from doing anything. I have read many articles by men explaining that they avoid sports which require them to be shirtless. I can understand this and while I don’t willingly parade my chest around, I accept they way I look and am really proud and pleased with what I have achieved in the pool.
To respond on the physical: -
In the Summer I swim every second to third day as I have a pool at home. Admittedly it is only 10 metres but I figure that is better than nothing. I swim in the 50 metre public pool once a week summer and winter. I usually swim for about one hour.
I commence swimming breathing every four strokes, then bring it back to a bilateral three and then two once I become fatigued. I normally swim a kilometre.
I have focused on freestyle but am now trying to swim backstroke so I can I can mix things up a bit and reduce the strain on my shoulders. I’ll be happy when I can stay straight.
Keep fit - Johnathon
I am far from a pro but you might try breathing every other stroke from the start to avoid getting so fatigued in the first place. Once your muscles become deprived of oxygen it will take some time for them to recover. Don't let them get there is what I am saying. I think any pro will tell you that you should breathe as often as is neccesary. Most coaches I have heard say that you should breathe every other stroke while flying, Phelps breathes every stroke because he feels he need the oxygen. Now what coach is going to go tell him he does not know how to fly? Moral of the story: Breathe when your body needs you to breathe.
Hi Jonathan,
Just want to say I agree with 330man. Breath when you need to breath, and don't push it. No need to.
Especially at the beginning of your workout, breath regularly in order to oxygenate your body for the rest of the workout. In the middle set, if you want to, you might work your breathing harder with alternate (every 3-stroke) breathing.
I'd like to suggest you do some breathing exersizes before swimming. If you don't already know these, you'll have to get instruction. I'm talking about yoga or relaxation type breathing which will help you use your lungs to their fullest capacity. Just be careful not to hyperventilate!
Have fun!
Mary
