Hi all. I am new to masters swimming as I have quite literally been out of the water for 32 years. I joined our local group 2 weeks ago and I have a meet this sunday. I very ambitiously have entered the 50 back and the 100 IM. Yesterday I learned how to start off the block with goggles on; when I swam in 1969-1974, no one wore goggles or caps.
I am trying to swim a minimum of 3 days a week (2 with the master group and 1 or 2 on my own with swimplan.com workouts).
And, I am completely exhausted. I can barely lift my arms. It makes me feel like I've made a huge mistake. I realize that it's only been a month, but I am tired. I did try masters rowing this summer (wicked fun till you flip the boat) but didn't really give me any extra arm strength. What can I do on land that would help. The only weight class I can take is at the same time as the swimming in different gym/different town. I do have hand weights up to 8 lbs.
You just missed a good thread that talks about many of these issues -- and how important it is to build up gradually.
Going from no swimming for 32 years...
then two weeks of 3x per week practices...
then a meet!
well, this is not exactly what I would call gradual. Ambitious, definitely. But not gradual!
If you have a chance, check out advice given here. I do think it will help you. Don't think in terms of weeks or even months. The benefits of swimming lasts for years and decades, and rushing to get up to speed too soon is a recipe for injury that will sideline you and weaken your will to continue.
Take it easy and build up slowly, and it will become one of the nicest aspects of your life.
How fast should I build up yardage? - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
You just missed a good thread that talks about many of these issues -- and how important it is to build up gradually.
Going from no swimming for 32 years...
then two weeks of 3x per week practices...
then a meet!
well, this is not exactly what I would call gradual. Ambitious, definitely. But not gradual!
If you have a chance, check out advice given here. I do think it will help you. Don't think in terms of weeks or even months. The benefits of swimming lasts for years and decades, and rushing to get up to speed too soon is a recipe for injury that will sideline you and weaken your will to continue.
Take it easy and build up slowly, and it will become one of the nicest aspects of your life.
How fast should I build up yardage? - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
