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!
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.
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.
