Greetings all!!
A long time ago, I was a mildly successful competitive swimmer. Started at age 8 or so, ended after high school. Not many wins along the way, I do remember going to the state meet and placing something like 8th out of 8!! College brought beer and girls ... how could swimming compete?
Fast forward to 2006. Coming up to age 56, probably 40 lbs overweight. Luckily, no major health issues. Have a 7 year old son who started swim lessons this summer and he challenged me to join him in the pool. Son of a gun ... I can still swim pretty well!! Joined the local Y and tried a few laps (nothing organized, just open swim). Hey, I can still finish a few laps without stopping! Timed myself for a 50 (2X25) at about 45 seconds or so. Hmmm, can I compete again someday??
I recently found this site, and may well join up. This may just be the right kind of great challenge right now ... to help lose some weight and stay alive a bit longer! Maybe have some fun!
My question is ... what's the best way to get started?
I don't even know what all to ask. I am lucky to be a "stay-at-home" dad and run a computer networking business from home, so I do have some flexibility, time wise.
Look forward to some sage advice ...
Cheers!!
Ken
Parents
Former Member
Leonard's advice is right on the money. If you can find a team, that is a great way to start. Motivation is the key element to getting in shape and staying in shape. A team can supply a great deal of motivation.
If you can't find a team or the times don't "work" for you, you might consider a "virtual team", as I call it. I have two people with whom I email daily. If I didn't have them, I don't know if I would still be swimming. A virtual team is not as easy to develop, but it is certainly as rewarding and motivating.
I was a stay at home dad last year and I can offer this advice: swim in the morning, if you can. Working out at other times, I found that stuff happened which caused me to miss workouts. Swimming before the world wakes up ensures that the workout gets done.
If you remember any of your workout times, forget them. :) Stroke count and heart rate are what is important.
Sounds like you have a bit of competitive spirit, so by all means look for a meet to get you back into competition. Again another form of motivation.
Need more motivation? How about this (from Masters World Champs):
Men 80-84 100 LC Meter Butterfly - Maine, Thomas O 81 IM-USA 1:45.50
1:45.5 at 81!
Leonard's advice is right on the money. If you can find a team, that is a great way to start. Motivation is the key element to getting in shape and staying in shape. A team can supply a great deal of motivation.
If you can't find a team or the times don't "work" for you, you might consider a "virtual team", as I call it. I have two people with whom I email daily. If I didn't have them, I don't know if I would still be swimming. A virtual team is not as easy to develop, but it is certainly as rewarding and motivating.
I was a stay at home dad last year and I can offer this advice: swim in the morning, if you can. Working out at other times, I found that stuff happened which caused me to miss workouts. Swimming before the world wakes up ensures that the workout gets done.
If you remember any of your workout times, forget them. :) Stroke count and heart rate are what is important.
Sounds like you have a bit of competitive spirit, so by all means look for a meet to get you back into competition. Again another form of motivation.
Need more motivation? How about this (from Masters World Champs):
Men 80-84 100 LC Meter Butterfly - Maine, Thomas O 81 IM-USA 1:45.50
1:45.5 at 81!
