Hi All,
I just joined the masters swimming group at my local Y. I swam competitively growing up before quitting my sophomore yr in college (good DIII program) but I've been out of the pool for the past 15 years. My goals are twofold:
1. Get back into some semblance of fitness so my kids dont think Daddy is a couch potato
2. Enjoy a little competition with like minded people.
I'm eager to get back in the water but could use some advice to get re-started:
1. Any equipment changes I need to be aware of or are people using the same kick boards, paddles, fins and pull buoys that I used 15 yrs ago?
2. Can you recommend a good practice suit? / competition suit?
3. How pitiful should I expect to be? I haven't exactly been a paragon of fitness over the past 15 yrs.
4. Any pitfalls I should look out for? I quit originally because of impingement in both shoulders (yeah- I'm a wimp)
I used to be a halfway decent sprinter (50/100 fr & 100 fly were my best events; anything longer than a 200 was the devil)- any idea where I can get a look at competitive times in those events? I just want to know what's respectable for a 35 yr old guy.
Welcome back. All the advice given here is well worth heeding - it will take time, a lot of time and no use rushing it, especially if you have had shoulder problems. Don't go gadget crazy, keep it simple. Read the blogs - don't worry about the times or interval, go at your own pace but don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Read Ande's Swim Faster Faster Tips - great way to get back mentally as well as physically. Pick a few and work on them. You should not focus on the "but I used to go...", and concentrate on current goals - I set up a bunch ranging from weight loss goals, # workouts per week, swimming in a meet, and target times. It will take time, but it will come back and maybe you will be able to do a PB in some event.
This forum is a goldmine, lots of advice and lots of support - It's a great community. Good Luck
Welcome back. All the advice given here is well worth heeding - it will take time, a lot of time and no use rushing it, especially if you have had shoulder problems. Don't go gadget crazy, keep it simple. Read the blogs - don't worry about the times or interval, go at your own pace but don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Read Ande's Swim Faster Faster Tips - great way to get back mentally as well as physically. Pick a few and work on them. You should not focus on the "but I used to go...", and concentrate on current goals - I set up a bunch ranging from weight loss goals, # workouts per week, swimming in a meet, and target times. It will take time, but it will come back and maybe you will be able to do a PB in some event.
This forum is a goldmine, lots of advice and lots of support - It's a great community. Good Luck
