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.
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yep, definitely a bummer day in some respects. BUT good in other respects.
1) You've been seen by a sports specialist doctor. It's a huge step towards recovery. And if it is a herniated disc (just a maybe, so far, right?) then it's a helluva good thing to know about. Think - lose a month(s) of swimming time vs. a lifetime in a wheelchair... Best to know what is happening to your body so it can be dealt with.
2) validation, even if it wasn't needed - the coach knows you are seriously injured, not just slacking. And you know that you are not crazy.
As for support? You have a whole bunch on this forum! And specifically, here's some ideas:
3.) You have mentioned that you fear being "kicked off" the team several times. Being on "injured reserved" is not the same thing! But rules about who is on/off/kicked off a university team are usually faily regulated - check out what your rights and responsibilities are as a team member. It must be written somewhere...your team captain, coach, athletic director, or academic/athletic advisor may be able to help. Ask whoever seems most approachable - and watch your wording. "Does that cranky asst. coach have the right to kick me off the team because I'm injured" might be better phrased "What is the protocol regarding injured varsity team members and varsity membership?"
And as far as responsibilities go...might be a good idea to keep a diary of rehab appointments, exercise sessions, etc.
4.) If you are out of the water for a period of time, it will be sad but not the end of the world. You do have other areas of your life which require focus (like classes, studying, etc....) AND getting healthy. Many professional athletes have commented that rehab is often more arduous than training.
5.) If you want to be part of the team, but can't swim, then make yourself useful to the swimmers/coaches. Videotape practices or meets (take responsibility yourself for remembering the camera, editing, etc.), count lengths for long swims, etc. Be cheerful and positive, even if you feel like spitting bile. It seems to me that your team has some "issues" - take it upon yourself to be part of the solution. That may be as simple (and difficult) as NOT gossiping or contributing to negative locker room talk. Your "big sis" on the team is the captain? Maybe she has some ideas.
yep, definitely a bummer day in some respects. BUT good in other respects.
1) You've been seen by a sports specialist doctor. It's a huge step towards recovery. And if it is a herniated disc (just a maybe, so far, right?) then it's a helluva good thing to know about. Think - lose a month(s) of swimming time vs. a lifetime in a wheelchair... Best to know what is happening to your body so it can be dealt with.
2) validation, even if it wasn't needed - the coach knows you are seriously injured, not just slacking. And you know that you are not crazy.
As for support? You have a whole bunch on this forum! And specifically, here's some ideas:
3.) You have mentioned that you fear being "kicked off" the team several times. Being on "injured reserved" is not the same thing! But rules about who is on/off/kicked off a university team are usually faily regulated - check out what your rights and responsibilities are as a team member. It must be written somewhere...your team captain, coach, athletic director, or academic/athletic advisor may be able to help. Ask whoever seems most approachable - and watch your wording. "Does that cranky asst. coach have the right to kick me off the team because I'm injured" might be better phrased "What is the protocol regarding injured varsity team members and varsity membership?"
And as far as responsibilities go...might be a good idea to keep a diary of rehab appointments, exercise sessions, etc.
4.) If you are out of the water for a period of time, it will be sad but not the end of the world. You do have other areas of your life which require focus (like classes, studying, etc....) AND getting healthy. Many professional athletes have commented that rehab is often more arduous than training.
5.) If you want to be part of the team, but can't swim, then make yourself useful to the swimmers/coaches. Videotape practices or meets (take responsibility yourself for remembering the camera, editing, etc.), count lengths for long swims, etc. Be cheerful and positive, even if you feel like spitting bile. It seems to me that your team has some "issues" - take it upon yourself to be part of the solution. That may be as simple (and difficult) as NOT gossiping or contributing to negative locker room talk. Your "big sis" on the team is the captain? Maybe she has some ideas.
