I just did the USMS 25K race in Indiana last weekend and it has been hard to recover. Just curious on what it is like for others to recover from something like that? How long does it take to feel back to normal again?
I was so tired afterwards and bodily functions were messed up for a short bit. I had no desire to eat until later on that evening. Took me till the middle of the next day to come around more, but still am not fully recovered. My training wasn't the greatest some of the time (like when I had my surgery last month), but I hit the recommended amount. My taper however was probably too much, but I had a harder time fitting in time to swim once I hit the mainland.
I had a 6-hour time change to get used to and inconsistent sleep nights (some not being enough), but have been able to catch up most days since I got back last Monday. I have hardly been able to swim all week. My arms still hurt a bit, yet they want to be swimming again and so does my mind and body. However, my chest and breathing are another story. I tried swimming 15-20 minutes today and it started to hurt to breathe afterwards, some of it being sharp and it still is bothering me now. After the race, I would cough whenever I would breathe too deep, but that got better the next day.
What are the best things to do after a long swim race, especially when feeling these kinds of things? I know everyone is different, but just wondered what it was like for others that have experienced similar or have completed a long race. Hope all is well with everyone.
I did a 14 hour English Channel attempt in 2006. I quit less than 2 miles from the French coast when I could no longer get my arms out of the water. The recovery from that swim was about 3 weeks. I was still very sore and tender almost 4 weeks from the swim. I did an almost 12 hour swim from Catalina to the California Coast and that took almost a week to feel normal again. The time change and the swim will mess almost anyone up, especially a master swimmer. Take your time and let you body recover. Remember you have done something that not many have done or tried.
Former Member
Congrats on finishing the 25K!
It takes me a while to recover from hard swims too, especially now that I am a masters swimmer. One trick that I learned back when I was running marathons is that ice baths can really work wonders. Unfortunately, taking an ice bath after a hard swim is much more painful than after a run, b/c you have to submerge your whole back and torso, not just your legs. I've only done it a few times but it really helps more than anything.
Advil, stretching, and some extra sleep help too. Also, don't be afraid to swim a few workouts in a slower lane than you normally do. I think swimming at a cool down pace can help you recover faster than total rest.
Good luck! The 25K sounds like it was a great race. I think I'd like to give it a try next year.
Former Member
Thanks guys. That helped. Are you going to try the English Channel again? Do you have to wear a wetsuit for that or for Catalina Island? I hope to do some more long swims someday if my body can hack it (I have fibromyalgia and intersistial cystitis, which affect things sometimes). It is a lot of fun.
A wet suit is not allowed to swim the Catalina Crossing or the English Channel, if the swim is to be considered "Official". I am planning another attempt at the English Channel in 2011. I can't wait. I have a 10 K swim August 10. Only about 2 and 1/2 hours. Also, I am planning on going to Greece next year and swimming the 26 Km swim. Just google Open Water Swims Greece and it will come up.
Are you recoved?
I'd suggest that if the sharp pain when you breathe in continues you do see a physician. The rest of it you can likely treat with rest. Just out of curiosity, have you ever had that specific symptom with interstitial cystitis before?
Former Member
There's a lot of symptoms for IC. There's also not a known cause or cure for it. Recovery slowly coming along. Still some soreness and chest pain, but it will get better. I'm at practice more now and got in a longer ocean swim today. The clarity was better than ever and the surf on the right side of Flat Island was great! I bumped into 3 guys surfing that I know from the Bike Shop (they used to work there). That happens sometimes (running into people I know while I'm ocean-swimming). :) No wind or kite surfers to dodge (though it was rather windy), so that was nice. No man of war either. Heard continued screams from those stung the last 2 days at the beach. Fun stuff.
Former Member
Almost 3 weeks and still sore. May have to start physical therapy next week, plus am on pain meds because it's always hurting to breathe. Still swimming, but not way too much. Not doing tomorrow's openwater races here, but hope to be able to compete again soon. We shall see... It was worth doing the race though.
Former Member
Have you tried massage? I find it helps me recover from muscle soreness a little faster. Hurts while I'm getting it and for a day after, then things quickly recover provided I take the therapist's advice and drink lots of water.
