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.
We have swimmers from our age group team that go to Wash U, specifically a 500 freestyle guy. He's a cute sophmore, look for him!
I think once you are over your injury,(and you will get there), swimming will not cause you that kind of pain. Yes, you will have the slowness of being out of shape and the muscle soreness, but if you continue with your exercises and stretches(forever!!), you can likely prevent further incidences, unless of course, you fall off the blocks like I did!
We did starts last night off the blocks I hate. The last time I did starts off those blocks(about 18 months ago), I ended up with back pain and leg numbness for weeks. The chiro told me to avoid them. Last night I was tentative, and practiced form off the side. I did a few off the blocks, and this morning I am fine. So if I can get recovered at 44, you can at a much younger age! Hang in there, it will get better.
If St Louis U is there today, one of my most favorite little fliers will be there from our age group team!
We have swimmers from our age group team that go to Wash U, specifically a 500 freestyle guy. He's a cute sophmore, look for him!
I think once you are over your injury,(and you will get there), swimming will not cause you that kind of pain. Yes, you will have the slowness of being out of shape and the muscle soreness, but if you continue with your exercises and stretches(forever!!), you can likely prevent further incidences, unless of course, you fall off the blocks like I did!
We did starts last night off the blocks I hate. The last time I did starts off those blocks(about 18 months ago), I ended up with back pain and leg numbness for weeks. The chiro told me to avoid them. Last night I was tentative, and practiced form off the side. I did a few off the blocks, and this morning I am fine. So if I can get recovered at 44, you can at a much younger age! Hang in there, it will get better.
If St Louis U is there today, one of my most favorite little fliers will be there from our age group team!
