Getting into shape is hard to do....

I'm starting two-a-day practices in a desparate attempt to get ready for Nationals. So I'm swimming 3 times a week, twice a day, running and light weights the other two days, and resting on weekends. Any ideas for making the transition from swimming just 3 times a week to this new schedule easier? My muscles are screaming right now!! :help: Hi Seagurl, Amen! Getting in shape is hard to do!! It's an ongoing quest. I too admire you for your workout routine! You are doing more than I am - I swim 6 times a week for 1.5 hrs each practice and do weights (moderate 45 to 60 minute routine) 2 to 3 times a week. No running if I can help it! I'm too tired! Sundays off. I attempted "doubles" for a bit but cut it out as swimming became very "un-fun" and I was exhausted at the start of each practice - a sign my body was not ready to handle that. I'd like to know what made you decide to do doubles 3 times a week as opposed to 1 practice 5 or 6 times a week. Is it a scheduling issue or is there a training philosophy behind it? Just curious. How much yardage are you putting in and what kind of intensity (intervals) do you practice at? How many hours of rest do you have between doubles? There's no need to resort to, as you put it, "desperate" measures! :agree: With doubles (I'm a bit older than you at 34 - so you may be better suited to pulling this off at 19/20 if that's how old you are), I did not get enough recovery time and continued to feel poor during practices. So I cut it out. If you are feeling terrible (and I'm not sure based on your post), I'd modify the training plan to include a gradual build up of yardage and intensity in order to avoid *possible* injury and/ or burn out. Perhaps cut out the runs and shoot for swimming 4 times a week. :2cents: What are your goals for nationals? You may not need to cram in all that you listed and still see excellent improvement from a fitness standpoint.

I'm starting two-a-day practices in a desparate attempt to get ready for Nationals. So I'm swimming 3 times a week, twice a day, running and light weights the other two days, and resting on weekends. Any ideas for making the transition from swimming just 3 times a week to this new schedule easier? My muscles are screaming right now!! :help: Hi Seagurl, Amen! Getting in shape is hard to do!! It's an ongoing quest. I too admire you for your workout routine! You are doing more than I am - I swim 6 times a week for 1.5 hrs each practice and do weights (moderate 45 to 60 minute routine) 2 to 3 times a week. No running if I can help it! I'm too tired! Sundays off. I attempted "doubles" for a bit but cut it out as swimming became very "un-fun" and I was exhausted at the start of each practice - a sign my body was not ready to handle that. I'd like to know what made you decide to do doubles 3 times a week as opposed to 1 practice 5 or 6 times a week. Is it a scheduling issue or is there a training philosophy behind it? Just curious. How much yardage are you putting in and what kind of intensity (intervals) do you practice at? How many hours of rest do you have between doubles? There's no need to resort to, as you put it, "desperate" measures! :agree: With doubles (I'm a bit older than you at 34 - so you may be better suited to pulling this off at 19/20 if that's how old you are), I did not get enough recovery time and continued to feel poor during practices. So I cut it out. If you are feeling terrible (and I'm not sure based on your post), I'd modify the training plan to include a gradual build up of yardage and intensity in order to avoid *possible* injury and/ or burn out. Perhaps cut out the runs and shoot for swimming 4 times a week. :2cents: What are your goals for nationals? You may not need to cram in all that you listed and still see excellent improvement from a fitness standpoint.