I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, but have not been in the pool much in the last 10 years. Yesterday i watched my boyfriend complete his 2nd marathon and I was inspired to look into an open water swim. I have not done one since I was 8.
I was hoping someone could post or forward me a program with workouts that starts in he pool and gradually eases me into the ocean. I have looked at other posts and have not found workouts that have really inspired me. I have about 3 months until the local open water. I am in pretty good shape, but need to ease myself back into the pool.
Thanks.
Most of the workouts posted in the Workouts forum should be able to get you in shape to complete in most of the shorter open water races(0.5 to 3 mile). You didn’t say how long your goal race was, so it’s difficult to come up with specific suggestions. The biggest thing is to get in the water and train to regain your technique and endurance, working on distance per stroke and navigation.
One navigation/sighting drill I suggest is to swim 10X100s breathing every 3 strokes and after each breath look to the end of the pool, spotting some object. Practice this drill until you can do this without interruption in your stroke cycle. Note: I prefer to sight at the end of my breath where I just rotate eyes forward then down; others prefer to pick their head up at the beginning of the breath, this has a tendency to lower my hips, but is seems to work for some. Do what ever works best for you.
Most of the workouts posted in the Workouts forum should be able to get you in shape to complete in most of the shorter open water races(0.5 to 3 mile). You didn’t say how long your goal race was, so it’s difficult to come up with specific suggestions. The biggest thing is to get in the water and train to regain your technique and endurance, working on distance per stroke and navigation.
One navigation/sighting drill I suggest is to swim 10X100s breathing every 3 strokes and after each breath look to the end of the pool, spotting some object. Practice this drill until you can do this without interruption in your stroke cycle. Note: I prefer to sight at the end of my breath where I just rotate eyes forward then down; others prefer to pick their head up at the beginning of the breath, this has a tendency to lower my hips, but is seems to work for some. Do what ever works best for you.
