swimming for fat and injured runners (lots of questions)
Former Member
Hey!
To keep a long story short, I started running a few years ago, ran a few marathons, and now am horribly injured in the foot (Plantar Fasciitis). I've had it for about a year and a half, tried EVERYTHING, and have gained a more than significant amount of weight since I got it. I believe the excess weight is preventing me from making a comeback.
Anyway I have been unable to stick to a structured diet and training regimen without a sport to train for, and I have been unable to run with any consistency. This has created somewhat of a disaster.
I have decided to look for alternate sports, at the very least until I am at a competitive weight for running, or if I like it enough, possibly permanently.
Swimming appeals to me because of the fact that it isn't very gear dependant (cycling is OUT), and because of the low chance of injury.
I also really like doing sub-threshold and vo2max workouts and would absolutely love to do them everyday.
The thing is, I have never swam other than recreationally in my life. I don't know the strokes or techniques at all.
Does this sound like swimming would be a good candidate sport for me?
Can I swim 6-7 days per week (after acclimatizing myself to it)? Can I do hard work every day? Is it like running/cycling where you have to do lots of base miles first?
What kind of supplementary exercises make a good swimmer? I've never set foot in a gym in my life, and like a true runner, I have pitiful upper body strength. Can I get all of that from swimming, or do I need to start weights too?
I am used to training with a Heart Rate Monitor, can they be used for swimming, or is there a better way to train?
I am 6'5" with a HUGE frame. This is somewhat of a disadvantage running, how will it effect my swimming?
Any good books on the subject for beginners?
Can I just show up to a masters class in jammers and goggles, or do I need to do anything to prepare beforehand?
There are several short course pools which have masters classes in my area, I can't seem to find a long course pool though. Will a SC one be OK? I am by no means interested in becoming a sprinter.
Thanks, and sorry to bombard with questions, I may have a few more later on. I wish I could contribute something in return.
Former Member
Just a word of caution about Plantar Fasciitis. I was a runner for many years and was sidelined with foot pain diagnosed as PF. I tried everything for about 3 years and finally gave up running. I then started cycling, but after a year or so started having pain in by calf muscles after long rides. I spent another couple years trying to determine the cause of my calf pain. Finally, a doctor ask me if I had ever had my lower back evaluated. Long story short, the cause of my foot pain and calf pain was from my lower back. I have a nerve that was getting irratated when I exercised.
As for swimming, its a great sport and one you can probably do every day. Shoulders seem to be the main over use area for swimmers. Good luck. :wave:
