Since most of us aren't teenagers any more, I'm pretty sure a large masters population is having to overcome all kinds of health issues on order to getin shape, and go as far as competing.
I was starting to get pretty competetive 4-5 years ago and setting a lot of PB's, when in my mid to late 30's I got slammed with a lot of health issues, couple of which (ick) caused a lot of rapid heart rate even at rest, and made me very exercise intolerant. Some of this is getting under control, other things I just have to live with, and accept I can't push as hard as I used to :(
I have a genetic blood disorder, thallasemia, which manifests itself in my case an untreatable chronic anemia, fast thyroid causing heartbeat irregularities (and other things), and one of arthritic conditions, scleroderma. In last couple years I'm just starting to figure out how to handle my newly dysfunctional body, and still keep active. It's been a very disheartening struggle, since at 40, I'm supposedly too young to be falling apart. Eh!
I'd like to hear from people who are having to manage their health issues, so they can keep swimming, and even competing... I'm hoping this can be motivating to a *few* people.
Thanks Alison, I'll try, but not before I get into halfway decent swimming shape. Right now I can swim only 150 yards of free before switching over to breaststroke, and 25 yards of butterfly before switching over to freestyle. Pretty pathetic I'm afraid, but I'll get back in shape eventually."
Write that (the distances you can swim) down with the date and keep track of everything you accomplish each time you get out of the pool. Next, set goals for doing just a little bit more. Then, look back at your log (Use the F.L.O.G. on this website; it's great!) often to remind yourself of how you have improved. Repeat. Often.
When I look at where I started, in February, when I switched from swimming laps for fitness to where I have come since joining Masters and altering my workouts to prepare for competition, it keeps me feeling encouraged. The same happened when I got back in the pool after many years out of it and started fitness swimming. I was very fit and well-conditioned for dryland, but I just about died trying to knock out some decent yardage in the pool. I tracked it, developed goals, followed my plan, and improved. You will be amazed at how quickly it will come for you!
As for your earlier post about us gals being supportive, you go girls! :cheerleader:
Thanks Alison, I'll try, but not before I get into halfway decent swimming shape. Right now I can swim only 150 yards of free before switching over to breaststroke, and 25 yards of butterfly before switching over to freestyle. Pretty pathetic I'm afraid, but I'll get back in shape eventually."
Write that (the distances you can swim) down with the date and keep track of everything you accomplish each time you get out of the pool. Next, set goals for doing just a little bit more. Then, look back at your log (Use the F.L.O.G. on this website; it's great!) often to remind yourself of how you have improved. Repeat. Often.
When I look at where I started, in February, when I switched from swimming laps for fitness to where I have come since joining Masters and altering my workouts to prepare for competition, it keeps me feeling encouraged. The same happened when I got back in the pool after many years out of it and started fitness swimming. I was very fit and well-conditioned for dryland, but I just about died trying to knock out some decent yardage in the pool. I tracked it, developed goals, followed my plan, and improved. You will be amazed at how quickly it will come for you!
As for your earlier post about us gals being supportive, you go girls! :cheerleader:
