I am new to this forum and looking for some advice/help.
I have been away from competitive swimming for almost 10 years now. I haven't even been in a pool for lap swim due to the fact that I was in a very rural area of VT with no pool access. Now that I am back home in Buffalo with a LMSC, I would like to return back to competition. I recently discovered USMS after some Internet browsing and was immediately intrigued. I never knew this organization existed. After scanning through the website and forum, it got my competitive juices flowing again. I was a competitive swimmer from a little tyke to college and am very excited and motivated to get back in the pool.
I am looking for some tips and ideas for returning to competitive form. I was a butterflyer and have some shoulder issues. I want to ease back into it without getting hurt. I am looking for some exercises to help strengthen my shoulders before pushing myself too much.
I would appreciate any diet/nutrition advice. I kind of let myself go the last couple of years.
Also, I will be in a location with no LMSC but access to a pool for about 5 months and am looking for workouts that I can do.
Any help you could give me would be outstanding. Thanks!!!!
JB -
This is my "second" return to Masters swimming at 49 years of age. My advice is to first get comfortable with yourself in the water. If you have "let yourself go" a bit, and are aware of some limts such as shoulder issues, it would be best if you get comfortable with your new center of gravity, float potential, alignments, and what does and doesn't hurt.
I would suggest some shorter yardage workouts interspersed with the dry-lands and possibly some lighter weights (more reps, less umph). Once you start to feel some of that old comfort, have someone tape you in the pool if you can. After the shock wears off, look analytically at the tape and take on the worst things first.
You will find alot of discussions on these boards about axis, total immersion vs old school, etc. I've picked up quite alot just reading through all the notes (both from experts and novices).
Most of all, don't give up. You will have a few setbacks, and days you just don't feel like getting in. Hang in there, and you will be amazed at how quickly you can start dialing up your yards, and your effort.
Regarding finding others to swim with (cause it really is hard to go it solo!) don't be afraid to go into your state boards and just ask for anybody nearby. (I just did that in Illinios not long ago.) Again, you will likely get some quick advice.
We're all pulling for ya!
Redbird
JB -
This is my "second" return to Masters swimming at 49 years of age. My advice is to first get comfortable with yourself in the water. If you have "let yourself go" a bit, and are aware of some limts such as shoulder issues, it would be best if you get comfortable with your new center of gravity, float potential, alignments, and what does and doesn't hurt.
I would suggest some shorter yardage workouts interspersed with the dry-lands and possibly some lighter weights (more reps, less umph). Once you start to feel some of that old comfort, have someone tape you in the pool if you can. After the shock wears off, look analytically at the tape and take on the worst things first.
You will find alot of discussions on these boards about axis, total immersion vs old school, etc. I've picked up quite alot just reading through all the notes (both from experts and novices).
Most of all, don't give up. You will have a few setbacks, and days you just don't feel like getting in. Hang in there, and you will be amazed at how quickly you can start dialing up your yards, and your effort.
Regarding finding others to swim with (cause it really is hard to go it solo!) don't be afraid to go into your state boards and just ask for anybody nearby. (I just did that in Illinios not long ago.) Again, you will likely get some quick advice.
We're all pulling for ya!
Redbird
