I stumbled across the site looking for some workouts online. I have been sort of interested in getting into masters swimming but have always fabricated some excuse why I couldn't. I swam competetively since I was 8 through high school but stopped just short of the college level. I swam during my college days just to try and stay in shape and the coaches eyeballed me in the pool and wanted to know why I wouldn't try out. I was having too much fun in college to get up at 4AM and run. :) Although the swim team always had the best parties...
Anyway, I'm coming up on my 36th birthday and I am very out of shape. I am 6'2" and about 240. I've had enough of this. It's time to do something about this before I turn 40. I've laid out a two month plan to get back to the 2000 yards per session level, and believe me, it will take me 2 months.
At what point should I go ahead and join my local masters? Right now, I'd look silly trying to keep up in practice much less compete. Should I wait until I'm down to 200 pounds and swimming 6000+ yards a week?
BTW, 'Slimy" was my nickname as a kid because the disgusting water we practiced in out at the public olympic outdoor pool turned my hair green and gave it a nice slimy sheen. I'm sure you all have had similar experiences. :D Well, I don't have hair anymore so I can't complain about that. :mad: :D
Slimy,
You will find supportive community not just here but likely at any masters club you go to for workouts. A lot of people here can testify that they weren't in the best shape to start out with...even for longtime masters swimmers that is an ongoing process. You'll find people of all fitness levels and abilities in your workout groups. Try searching these forums by typing "weight" or "newbie," you will find a lot on these subjects. Here is one thread that was particularly active and interesting:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
And in my opinion, going it alone is very tough. I've had to do that for 2 years for reasons beyond my control - with lackluster results in terms of my performance and fitness. Because I like racing, the swim meets keep me reasonably motivated, but it's just hard (for me) to attack workouts or stay focused when going solo. I plan to join a team next year though, when I'm back in the States.
Good luck to you!
Katherine
Slimy,
You will find supportive community not just here but likely at any masters club you go to for workouts. A lot of people here can testify that they weren't in the best shape to start out with...even for longtime masters swimmers that is an ongoing process. You'll find people of all fitness levels and abilities in your workout groups. Try searching these forums by typing "weight" or "newbie," you will find a lot on these subjects. Here is one thread that was particularly active and interesting:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
And in my opinion, going it alone is very tough. I've had to do that for 2 years for reasons beyond my control - with lackluster results in terms of my performance and fitness. Because I like racing, the swim meets keep me reasonably motivated, but it's just hard (for me) to attack workouts or stay focused when going solo. I plan to join a team next year though, when I'm back in the States.
Good luck to you!
Katherine
