The good news is that I've done 4 workouts in the last 5 days. The bad news is I've done 4 workouts in the last 2 1/2 years and probably 9 workouts in the last 10 years.
First workout, I couldn't find my goggles, so it was an all backstroke and kick workout. I didn't have to worry about breathing underwater, so my lungs were thankful. I had a tough time keeping track of my yardage. (The walls coming up...was that 6 laps or 8? )
The other three workouts I found that my muscles give out much faster than my lungs, so alternating strokes seems to be good strategy. 40% free, 40% back, 20% *** through out the workout.
I have to keep reminding myself to keep my expectations reasonable. Doing sets on a cycle I could do 10 or 20 years ago is not reasonable. At least not the first week.
I'm also thinking that after a long layoff is really a good time to work on my stroke while I'm still getting my muscles back into swimming shape.
Now how do I keep motivated to continue? Swimming alone really sucks.
Parents
Former Member
Hi again, Barry !!!
Wow, this is exciting--an upcoming swim meet. Not only can they be fun, but as you say you will establish a baseline.
I know it is possible to have less than a 2-beat kick; I've actually seen it!! As far as strength training, I use Swim Cordz the highest level of resistance ones. I live in a place (an island) that has no gym, so I use my cordz to add strength to my upper body. Most people do use weights, though.
A lot of swimming is finding body balance and timing and this comes with a lot of time in the water. It is also slightly different for many people. In Freestyle, I am not a big kicker. My legs act as stabilizers for my body. Of course, I swim distance. If I were a sprinter, I'd probably have that 6-beat kick.
Backstroke DOES require a good, usually 6-beat kick. As this was my stroke for my entire life, kick, body position, timing meant everything.
Please keep us informed as to how it is going, as well as your upcoming swim meet in December.
Like Nemo, Keep on Swimming !!:groovy:
Donna
Hi again, Barry !!!
Wow, this is exciting--an upcoming swim meet. Not only can they be fun, but as you say you will establish a baseline.
I know it is possible to have less than a 2-beat kick; I've actually seen it!! As far as strength training, I use Swim Cordz the highest level of resistance ones. I live in a place (an island) that has no gym, so I use my cordz to add strength to my upper body. Most people do use weights, though.
A lot of swimming is finding body balance and timing and this comes with a lot of time in the water. It is also slightly different for many people. In Freestyle, I am not a big kicker. My legs act as stabilizers for my body. Of course, I swim distance. If I were a sprinter, I'd probably have that 6-beat kick.
Backstroke DOES require a good, usually 6-beat kick. As this was my stroke for my entire life, kick, body position, timing meant everything.
Please keep us informed as to how it is going, as well as your upcoming swim meet in December.
Like Nemo, Keep on Swimming !!:groovy:
Donna
