...or so I'd like to think!
I am a 25 year old female who swam competitively for 2 years when I was younger (10-12) and I played many other sports as well. My coach at the time told me to pick a sport, and let's just say I didn't choose swimming. I chose softball, which ultimately led me to college scholarships and paid my way through college. I graduated several years ago and play the occasional rec ball. I DO NOT LIKE going to the gym and running since the 12 years of catching has done a number on my knees, so you can imagine how great it feels to get a good workout in without pain afterwards.
I just joined the YMCA this week and we have 2 pools, a 25 which is out of commission for the winter, and what I think is a 15 with a bubble over it. No lane ropes, no lines on the bottom. I am uber excited about being in the pool as I've always loved the water! I was a great swimmer when I was younger and I still have that "itch" to compete. I know that I am not in good shape since I've been sucking some wind, but with some training and hard work, I would consider it again!!
So, with 15 years off from competitive swimming, where do I begin? I have been doing laps in the 15 the past 3 days and I feel invigorated, not to mention reading everyone else posts!! Great motivation, thank you all!!
My real question is how can I do great workouts in a small pool while being out of swim shape? HELP!
Hi Jamie,
Glad to see you getting back in the water. The first month is the hardest, it is what I call "getting your water lungs". Don't give up, it will get better in time. I have only been back in the water for alittle over 3 years after a 20 year layoff. I am 45.
Once you build up your endurance a bit you might want to toy with the idea of joining one of the local teams. The team environment allows you to meet others with an interest in swimming and also gives you a structured environment with a coached workout.
When and if you choose to join a team there are 2 options for you SST (Savannah Swim Team), it is an age group team but includes 3 masters swimmers and then there is the Savannah Masters team. I started with the masters team building up from 3-4 days per week(2 years) to 6 days (1 year) and this August after getting back from Nationals switched to SST for my training swimming 7 days with 4 doubles. I still compete with Savannah Masters/Team Georgia.
Most of the meets we attend are in the Atlanta area or in South Carolina. It would be nice to have some company. The next masters meet is Mt. Pleasant, SC Feb. 2-3. This meet is a larger low key meet and a great starter meet with a wide variety of abilities and speeds.
Definitely plan for the Hilton Head College Flashback in April, it is a great low key entry level meet with plenty of hospitality (PARTY)!
The Chatham County Aquatic Center (CCAC) will be open to the public again as of Jan. 2 with a brand new roof. The teams have already been swimming there for about 2 months now. The facility has a fast 50 meter x 25 yard competition pool and smaller 6 lane 25 yard pool we refer to as the geriatric pool because it tends to be too hot.
Let me know if you need anything and Good Luck. Email me if you need anything. donna.hooe@usms.org
Donna
Hi Jamie,
Glad to see you getting back in the water. The first month is the hardest, it is what I call "getting your water lungs". Don't give up, it will get better in time. I have only been back in the water for alittle over 3 years after a 20 year layoff. I am 45.
Once you build up your endurance a bit you might want to toy with the idea of joining one of the local teams. The team environment allows you to meet others with an interest in swimming and also gives you a structured environment with a coached workout.
When and if you choose to join a team there are 2 options for you SST (Savannah Swim Team), it is an age group team but includes 3 masters swimmers and then there is the Savannah Masters team. I started with the masters team building up from 3-4 days per week(2 years) to 6 days (1 year) and this August after getting back from Nationals switched to SST for my training swimming 7 days with 4 doubles. I still compete with Savannah Masters/Team Georgia.
Most of the meets we attend are in the Atlanta area or in South Carolina. It would be nice to have some company. The next masters meet is Mt. Pleasant, SC Feb. 2-3. This meet is a larger low key meet and a great starter meet with a wide variety of abilities and speeds.
Definitely plan for the Hilton Head College Flashback in April, it is a great low key entry level meet with plenty of hospitality (PARTY)!
The Chatham County Aquatic Center (CCAC) will be open to the public again as of Jan. 2 with a brand new roof. The teams have already been swimming there for about 2 months now. The facility has a fast 50 meter x 25 yard competition pool and smaller 6 lane 25 yard pool we refer to as the geriatric pool because it tends to be too hot.
Let me know if you need anything and Good Luck. Email me if you need anything. donna.hooe@usms.org
Donna
