I am a track and field sprinter (100m-400m) and looking for some cross training. I started swimming because we have a pool where I work and I was nursing back spasms and achilies tendonitis from running. I found out about local swim meets and thought it would be fun to try. I love to compete.
It was a blast. It was very similar to a track meet so I was comfortable in that regard, but nervous because I have never raced in a pool.
I only know freestyle. Did the 100m free in 70 seconds (three bad turns) and the 50m free in 30 seconds (one bad turn). I have no clue how to do the flip turns and it showed. I will definately need to practice that.
I found it hard to warm up properly and got cold waiting for my events. Will need to pack very warm clothes next time.
People that don't look very fast out of the water.... are very fast in the water.
People at swim meets couldn't be more friendly and helpful. I got alot of good advice.
Will practice the turns and hopefully get down to a 27 and a 60 for the next meet. If I can improve alot, I may focus on swim training and run secondary.
I will probably post again asking when to initiate the flip turn. I need to learn what to key on visually as I approach. This was my big problem. I had no spacial awareness and vision.
Oops, I mean yards!!! this meet was yards. I am used to everything in meters.
You have a point, I should not concern myself too much with times. It is true that my primary goal is to stay fit. I am fairly competative though in a good natured way and like to see where I fit in.
I have been running track for years and as a master (40 and over) I have only achieved only so-so times compared to the fastest. Last year I could not get nationally ranked in the 100, 200 or 400, which bothered me a little because I trained so hard. I thought I would make a switch to swimming (mainly to rest my lower back) and I am thinking maybe I can be a better swimmer than runner.
Oops, I mean yards!!! this meet was yards. I am used to everything in meters.
You have a point, I should not concern myself too much with times. It is true that my primary goal is to stay fit. I am fairly competative though in a good natured way and like to see where I fit in.
I have been running track for years and as a master (40 and over) I have only achieved only so-so times compared to the fastest. Last year I could not get nationally ranked in the 100, 200 or 400, which bothered me a little because I trained so hard. I thought I would make a switch to swimming (mainly to rest my lower back) and I am thinking maybe I can be a better swimmer than runner.
