I'm looking for some feedback regarding how much of the year you swim. I'm transitioning from a few months a year and trying to become a year-round swimmer. As I age, I'm finding it harder and harder to get back in shape after my non-swimming months. Do you swim year round with only a week or two off here and there? Have you endorsed swimming as a "lifestyle" and never really take a break? Or, do you swim for just a season (Short course, Long Course, Spring, Summer, etc.)? In 2005, I swam Jan. - Sept. but just couldn't stay with it Oct. - Dec. Any feedback/suggestions are greatly appreciated!
I know it's harder in the winter months but I remember back in school that was the season. Yeah it's not fun being outside w/ a wet head but no issues personally w/ doing the all year round thing. I certainly don't swim everyday though-way too much for me.
Hi Jeff:
Swimming year around is one of the toughest things to do especially if you have other sports and hobbies you like to do. As you know in Michigan when the weather gets nice its probably harder for most people to keep training and be involved throughout the year. One of the things that helps me is that for the 3 1/2 months in the summer I train oudoors in a 50 meter pool and try to swim in lake at least once a week. I think a change is needed then just being indoors working out 12 months a year. I also think you have to have a steady supply of training partners and a good swim group and team to keep interest up and burnout low.
I know last year you trained with Corrin and both of you had excellent seasons. I remember talking to you at USMS Nationals and you mentioned that the season seemed so long because you started swimming in September and its was the longest you had gone for a short course season. I know you sometimes train for the lake swims in the area for the summer. My advice is try and stick with swimming in the down months at least 2 to 3 times a week if you can commit the time.
I agree with you that as we get older its gets harder to get back in shape after a long layoff. I remember in HS, some guys would take 6 months off and have to work themselves back into shape. Being younger it came a lot easier then now. Good luck and I hope to see you next weekend at the U of M meet.
I can't imagine not swimming all year. If I'm sick or hurt and miss a week I go stir crazy(ask my wife,she can hardly stand to be around me if I can't swim.) My main goal is generally LCM Nationals so I start building intensity in Jan. and am swimming my hardest over the summer. I'll continue training hard through the SCM season tapering for our zone meet. Dec. and most of Jan. I cut the intensity way back and stop breaststroke kick to let my knees rest.
I think it would be too painful to only swim for a season. Not sure you'd see any improvement either. Lots of tris start trickling in around Feb/March so I guess it is possible.
Thanks for the replies. My diversion in the fall (Oct - Dec) revolves around my other passion, deer hunting season. I guess my biggest problem is that I swim in the mornings. Hunting and fishing compete for these early am hours so at some points in the year swimming actually becomes secondary. Oh no, I said it. Maybe not secondary, maybe just not priority one (is that better)?I guess I need to find a way to stay in the water for the 2-3 days during those times. One last thought, I know sleep is over-rated but sometimes it is important, too. Has anyone figured out how to get more time out of 24 hours yet???
I don't think you should apologize for having additional interests outside of swimming, unless your performance in swimming is directly linked to your profession and/or livelihood.
Your passion for hunting & fishing probably prevent you from burning out in swimming.
I think it is good to have many interests - Variety is the spice of life!
