All,
I have decided to get back into swimming primarily for fitness, but also for a hobby and competition. I turn 36 in July and really haven't been back in the water since I was 18.
I began competing at 5 and continued through my Sr year of high school. I can't believe that I have been out of the water longer than I was in the water. That is dissapointing to me.
I am in good health at 5' 10" 165 lbs. I have done spurts of exercise my entire adult life. Most of which were 4-6 months of cardio work either on a treadmill or in spin classes. But find myself getting bored and lose focus.
Swimming has always been in the back of my mind and I feel that for me to stay committed to exercising, I need extra motivation. Therefore, I am determined to compete in a SCY meet in late February.
My initial focus will be on conditioning and stamina. My last attempt at swimming was somewhat shocking at how little I could do. I thought I would be able to jump right in and do 1500 yds on day one. Didn't happen. In fact, the most I could go without stopping was a 150. I ended up doing a set of 6 x 75's sloooow and then 2 x 100's.
This was 3 years ago and I did build it up some, but my commitment wasn't there and I only last about 3 months.
Now that you know my background, I have some qustions on how I should start.
What should I do to build up my stamina, endurance, and conditioning? I figured that I would spend about 2-3 months focusing on conditining and then be in a position to focus on training for events. Is that a good plan? I f so, how do I go about it?
Any advice would be great. I plan on leaning on you guys for answers and support. This seems like a great community.
Thanks in advance.
Nathan
Parents
Former Member
Thanks guys for the quick responses. It is funny--I have read through both of your blogs/posts prior to posting my query. I find them very informative and inspiring.
After my last attempt at swimming for execise a few years ago, I kind of feel as though I am in a class by myself. What I mean is that I am not a newbie, but I am not a swimmer who just sat out a couple of years.
I believe that I have good form and know-how, it is just that my conditioning is crap when it comes to the water. I assume a lot of it is due to lack of strength.
How should I build up my conditioning? Should I start out with just swimming laps and then move toward doing interval training?
I appreciate your answers and the answers of anyone who replies. I feel good about my choice to get back in the water.
Thanks guys for the quick responses. It is funny--I have read through both of your blogs/posts prior to posting my query. I find them very informative and inspiring.
After my last attempt at swimming for execise a few years ago, I kind of feel as though I am in a class by myself. What I mean is that I am not a newbie, but I am not a swimmer who just sat out a couple of years.
I believe that I have good form and know-how, it is just that my conditioning is crap when it comes to the water. I assume a lot of it is due to lack of strength.
How should I build up my conditioning? Should I start out with just swimming laps and then move toward doing interval training?
I appreciate your answers and the answers of anyone who replies. I feel good about my choice to get back in the water.
