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
Oh, back to your original question...
2-minute 100s is a relatively average time for your run-of-the-mill recreational swimmer. You'll find that many masters swimmers will sustain 100s in 1:20-1:30 or less, and will do an 800 in 10-15 minutes, give or take depending on whether it's all they're focused on doing that day or if they're doing it as part of a full workout...
What impressed me is that within a month you have progressed to the point of doing a 16-minute swim like that. Many guys (even quality runners and bikers) who aren't swimmers and get in the pool find that they are lucky to complete 100 yards without nearly passing out. It takes a while to get the technique and conditioning to keep an extended swim going.
Hang in there! Sounds like you are doing well.
Oh, back to your original question...
2-minute 100s is a relatively average time for your run-of-the-mill recreational swimmer. You'll find that many masters swimmers will sustain 100s in 1:20-1:30 or less, and will do an 800 in 10-15 minutes, give or take depending on whether it's all they're focused on doing that day or if they're doing it as part of a full workout...
What impressed me is that within a month you have progressed to the point of doing a 16-minute swim like that. Many guys (even quality runners and bikers) who aren't swimmers and get in the pool find that they are lucky to complete 100 yards without nearly passing out. It takes a while to get the technique and conditioning to keep an extended swim going.
Hang in there! Sounds like you are doing well.
