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?
Parents
Former Member
Dude,
Swimming the 50 and 100 free is not a good idea for someone with a bad back. The sprints require lightning acceleration off the start. You will wrench that sucker good if your problem is recurring. Turns are no picnic either on the 50 free. You gotta jam on those suckers fast and hard or you will be left in the dust. Getting up out of the start and turn and getting moving on top of the water at an all out "nuclear warhead" speed is very stressfull on the back and upper body of an old man. Believe me, I speak from experience and old age.
I recommend a slower paced event like the 200 free on up for your back.
John Smith
(age 43)
Dude,
Swimming the 50 and 100 free is not a good idea for someone with a bad back. The sprints require lightning acceleration off the start. You will wrench that sucker good if your problem is recurring. Turns are no picnic either on the 50 free. You gotta jam on those suckers fast and hard or you will be left in the dust. Getting up out of the start and turn and getting moving on top of the water at an all out "nuclear warhead" speed is very stressfull on the back and upper body of an old man. Believe me, I speak from experience and old age.
I recommend a slower paced event like the 200 free on up for your back.
John Smith
(age 43)
