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?
MRI shows a desicatted L4-5 disc with a annular tear and slight buldge.
What was the nature and extent of your disc probelm? How was your post surgery recovery? I really don't see myself getting surgery at this point. I can only hope I can manage it.
Three years ago I had surgery to repair a herniated disk, I strongly urge you to see a Dcotor and get a MRI (x-rays won't reveal the extent of the problem). I too went years off and on injuring myself--usually it would manifest as stiff hips or a weak right knee and leg. Personally, I think you should get it checked out before doing any type of competition. And if it comes to surgery, it's all done with lasers and your life will improve right away (I've also known runners and swimmers that had herniated disks in their necks and the surgery was an immediate relief). Remember if you are 41, you have another 50 or so years to go so there is no need to be in pain or risking further injury. If you are going to swim do it slowly.
It's nice to know that you got a good result. It is encouraging to me. I will do as you say and just go for a consultation and get a second opinion.
Since I stopped running, it is slowly getting better. Will concentrate on swimming this year and see how fast I can get. Will concentrate on the 50 and 100 free, since it is the only stroke I know. Hopefully the anaereobic training crosses over into swimming. When I get a time, I'll post it.
16 minutes is not too bad for an 800. I have not swam an 800 for time recently but 13 minutes seems to stick in my head as my best time (I had been swimming for about 4-5 months at the time), so 16 minutes after a month is pretty darn good. Keep up the good work. Your conditioning from running is going to benefit you for sure.
Originally posted by rtodd
Yes,
Speaking on the dive, how do I ensure I don't wear my goggles as a necklace when I dive in? what are the tricks to keeping them on?
The best way to avoid goggle missplace during the dive is to make your chin touch your chess before entering into the water, they also have to be tighten well but not very much that bothers you.
It will need practice and patience.
