So since at least two people on this board are interested in my adventures in joining my University's team I thought I'd create a thread (much like ande's swimming blog) to detail all of it. Yeah.
Since the season doesn't actually start regular practice for another week and a half, this is mainly an intro post - and I'll update it with what happens when I go meet the other girls on the team and such! Stay tuned! It'll be better than any general hospital or passions!
Today I actually swam for the first time (since my freshman swim test last year) in the University pool. It was huge. And cold. Over the summer I got used to swimming in health club pools with water hovering around 80-85. Not exactly the most comfortable water at times, but at least nice and warm. The Ratner pool here is...freezing by those standards. I'm guessing the water temp is 75 at the warmest. Gives new meaning to the term "warm up".
I was really nervous when I first got in - the girls and guys returning members were having informal practices and I was sort of afraid they'd notice me. Although, I don't think they did. Or maybe they did and I just didn't hear what they said about me. Haha.
I also swam a 600 for the first time in a long time. I mostly stuck to 400s and below in my summer workouts (yeah, I know, I'm a little bit of a wimp). Unfortunately, that couldn't last. The coach suggested when I met her that I get in the water and swim 6-800 straight every day this week as part of my workout. It kind of hurt. Actually, it was one of the odder experiences of my life. For the first 200 or so my chest was tight from my asthma and I was freaking out about the distance (I was also really cold). Then all of a sudden I started to get really into it and just kept on going. I probably could have done 1000 if I wanted to.
The workout was cut short - only about 2300yds - because I promised my friends I'd come home and cook dinner for them tonight. And that's where I leave it tonight.
Background: For those who didn't see my posts on the board throughout the year, I'm a soph. in college who has been going through the prepartion to join my school's team. I attend the University of Chicago (a div 3 school) and was a competitive swimmer for seven years before high school. Burnout put me out of the water for almost 5 years, however, and I'm only recently getting back into it.
Parents
Former Member
Short update:
The swim team had a time management meeting today...as one of my friends remarked "Probably a good thing that you went since you won't have anymore time after this...". Haha.
My first real practice is on Monday at 3:30pm. I'm scared. Scared out of my mind.
Swimming informally with the other members of the team was one thing.....but getting in and doing a full workout under the supervision of a coach? Yikes!
At this point I'm trying to convince myself that I won't get kicked off the team for being too slow. I'm not sure if I'm the slowest one right now, but I'm down near the bottom for sure. Not getting in the water for much of the past week due to my persistant illness has hurt me too.
So...anyone have any advice for me in getting ready (mentally and physically) for this first practice?
Short update:
The swim team had a time management meeting today...as one of my friends remarked "Probably a good thing that you went since you won't have anymore time after this...". Haha.
My first real practice is on Monday at 3:30pm. I'm scared. Scared out of my mind.
Swimming informally with the other members of the team was one thing.....but getting in and doing a full workout under the supervision of a coach? Yikes!
At this point I'm trying to convince myself that I won't get kicked off the team for being too slow. I'm not sure if I'm the slowest one right now, but I'm down near the bottom for sure. Not getting in the water for much of the past week due to my persistant illness has hurt me too.
So...anyone have any advice for me in getting ready (mentally and physically) for this first practice?
