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.
Parents
Former Member
Thanks for all the advice! I've been back in the pool now for about 7 weeks. 4x per week. I usually go about 3000-3300 yds 3x per week (team workout) and then 1x per wk just working on technique (1200 yds). Total- 10500-11000 yds.
I'm getting faster and have been pleasantly surprised by just how quick things are coming back. I've done a ton of technique work
Here's the wierd thing- I'm 5'11" and weigh 192 lbs. This is UP four pounds from when I started. My wife insists its all redistribution of fat to muscle My arms, back and shoulders are much bigger now with less "gut."
I'm going to sign up for the next local meet and see how I stand in the 50 fr and 100 fr. We'll see- my goal is to break 27 seconds in the 50. If I manage that I'll start to believe I could see 23 again. I'm mostly worried about my start. Years ago I could jump (28 inch vertical) which was great off the blocks now I am pretty much ground bound...
Thanks for all the advice! I've been back in the pool now for about 7 weeks. 4x per week. I usually go about 3000-3300 yds 3x per week (team workout) and then 1x per wk just working on technique (1200 yds). Total- 10500-11000 yds.
I'm getting faster and have been pleasantly surprised by just how quick things are coming back. I've done a ton of technique work
Here's the wierd thing- I'm 5'11" and weigh 192 lbs. This is UP four pounds from when I started. My wife insists its all redistribution of fat to muscle My arms, back and shoulders are much bigger now with less "gut."
I'm going to sign up for the next local meet and see how I stand in the 50 fr and 100 fr. We'll see- my goal is to break 27 seconds in the 50. If I manage that I'll start to believe I could see 23 again. I'm mostly worried about my start. Years ago I could jump (28 inch vertical) which was great off the blocks now I am pretty much ground bound...
