I started swimming a couple of weeks ago. Right now I can only swim about 100m at a time taking a break between each 100m. Is there any other cardio that I can do to help improve my swimming stamina. I can run up to 8 - 10 miles but can't swim more than 100m with out taking a break. Any suggestions?
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Originally posted by Jeff Commings
I knew a marathon runner who couldn't swim 25 yards without gasping! Of course, I can't run down the block without wheezing.
Anyway, the point is to just get comfortable with the water, let your body get used to the different cardio requirements. Like all athletic efforts, it takes time to see improvement. So don't rush it.
I have an experience that relates to that. I felt like I was in pretty good shape about a year ago. A friend who is a runner felt the same way. I ran with him and fell apart..... very quickly. He was smug about running being better than swimming to get in shape. Then about a week later he swam with me. I was the smug one then!
The point is your body will get good at what you train it to do. Running and swimming use different muscles in different ways. And the breathing rhythm is different too.
A key part of becoming a better swimmer is to focus on your form. Connie is right - don't fight the water.... it will always win. If you focuse on technique, your swimming conditioning will happen almost by accident.
Originally posted by Jeff Commings
I knew a marathon runner who couldn't swim 25 yards without gasping! Of course, I can't run down the block without wheezing.
Anyway, the point is to just get comfortable with the water, let your body get used to the different cardio requirements. Like all athletic efforts, it takes time to see improvement. So don't rush it.
I have an experience that relates to that. I felt like I was in pretty good shape about a year ago. A friend who is a runner felt the same way. I ran with him and fell apart..... very quickly. He was smug about running being better than swimming to get in shape. Then about a week later he swam with me. I was the smug one then!
The point is your body will get good at what you train it to do. Running and swimming use different muscles in different ways. And the breathing rhythm is different too.
A key part of becoming a better swimmer is to focus on your form. Connie is right - don't fight the water.... it will always win. If you focuse on technique, your swimming conditioning will happen almost by accident.
