Hi all,
Between a lengthy bout of bronchitis, job changes and adjusting to new schedules, I haven't swam with any consistency in about a year. I'd like to get back into competition shape -- which entails losing about 15 pounds and gaining back the muscle I lost -- in time for a meet next March or April. Anyone else ever gone through this? How do you work back a schedule of swimming 1-1.5 hours a day and lifting three days a week without doing too much too quickly and burning out or injuring yourself (or giving up because you feel like you're so far away from "good shape"?) Any ideas of what sort of yardage/intervals to start with?
I appreciate the help -- I'm so ready to stop being a couch potato, but I'm not sure where to start.
If I were you, I would make my goal to swim 3 times per week in July and lift twice a week. That is your goal, but in the back of your mind, it is your minimum. So if you get there 4 times a week, and lift 3, give yourself an extra pat because you surpassed your goal. After July is over, reassess, tweak your routine, keep what you liked, change what you did not and improve on it. Never stay stagnate, keep reassessing what you are doing. Also, don't be afraid to try new things, a running group, spinning class, yoga, maybe a swimming group that you discover when you become a regular, cross training can really make you fit.
If I were you, I would make my goal to swim 3 times per week in July and lift twice a week. That is your goal, but in the back of your mind, it is your minimum. So if you get there 4 times a week, and lift 3, give yourself an extra pat because you surpassed your goal. After July is over, reassess, tweak your routine, keep what you liked, change what you did not and improve on it. Never stay stagnate, keep reassessing what you are doing. Also, don't be afraid to try new things, a running group, spinning class, yoga, maybe a swimming group that you discover when you become a regular, cross training can really make you fit.
