I am a masters track sprinter who has been having lower back troubles for the last year. I am 41 year old male.
I have been swimming to give my back time to heal. I have been swimming for about a month.
This week I swam 800 yards in a pool (100ft long) in 16 minutes. Is this any good? Never swam competatively in my life.
I have some real disc problems and I was hoping I could someday be competative in the water if I can't run anymore. I have to be honest, I love running way more than swimming, but I really miss the competition part.
What should I be doing as a rookie if I want to swim the 50 and the 100? What kind of interval training? or should I just be doing conditioning and technique?
rtodd,
A 16 minute 800 would mean that you're averaging 2 minute 100s. Try doing some interval sets, such as 5 x 100 or 10 x 50 based on this average.
Warm up with about 5-minutes of easy straight swimming. Then do an interval set (100s on a 2:15 send off or 50s on a 1:15 send off). As you improve, shorten up the send off so that you still get about :15 rest. Always remember to cool down with some easy swimming.
If you have a Master's swimming program in your area, don't delay in joining. Swimming with a group and a coach is the best way to improve. As a 41-year-old guy you have your work cut out for you; it's one of the fastest age groups around, but don't let that hold you back. Go for it!
rtodd,
A 16 minute 800 would mean that you're averaging 2 minute 100s. Try doing some interval sets, such as 5 x 100 or 10 x 50 based on this average.
Warm up with about 5-minutes of easy straight swimming. Then do an interval set (100s on a 2:15 send off or 50s on a 1:15 send off). As you improve, shorten up the send off so that you still get about :15 rest. Always remember to cool down with some easy swimming.
If you have a Master's swimming program in your area, don't delay in joining. Swimming with a group and a coach is the best way to improve. As a 41-year-old guy you have your work cut out for you; it's one of the fastest age groups around, but don't let that hold you back. Go for it!
