So we have a "swim rant" thread, but I wanted to post my "swim happy" moment today, probably brought on by being out of the water for over a week.
Pool reopened after maintenance + clear, fresh perfect temp water + 6 lap lanes between 4 lap swimmers = 4200yd :bliss:
After returning to swimming after a three+ decade absence and joining masters in 2009, I was diligent about swimming 4 to 5 times each week. I was competing regularly in local meets and open water events and generally loving the Masters swim life. However, things began to unravel back in late 2015. Caring for an elderly parent full-time, moving 3 times in a year and half, retiring, unretiring, and finally retiring for good, really took its toll on me physically and emotionally. Allowing swimming to take a back seat for so long was something I thought would never happen, but trying to get back into swim shape and get into a consistent routine is a major (and painful) effort as I am sure some of you can attest.
I still can’t believe that so much time transpired, but after 4 years of “on-again off-again” swimming, I am happy to say that for the past two months I have consistently swum 3 to 4 times each week!! This is huge for me and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am!! I still have a long way to go to be in the shape I was 4 years ago, but with each passing workout I am that much closer.
I am happy to say that for the past two months I have consistently swum 3 to 4 times each week!! This is huge for me and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am!! I still have a long way to go to be in the shape I was 4 years ago, but with each passing workout I am that much closer.
Just lost a few parents last year. Tough work. Welcome back!
I was happy when I was traveling to Northern Europe last week, and had a chance to swim in water that's not hot (however it was a bit cold - still 5 - 7°C (41 - 45°F) there that I couldn't swim for more than half an hour - 12 - 15°C (54°F - 60°F) is certainly better for me).
Now everything has been over and I've returned home, where the temperature now is 23°C (73°F).
You *really* need to watch out with this cold water stuff.
www.coldwatersafety.org/WhatIsCold.html
You *really* need to watch out with this cold water stuff.
www.coldwatersafety.org/WhatIsCold.html
Isn’t it funny, the paradox of water entry? As a coach, you tell your swimmers around “cold” water, “stop dipping your toes in. Just jump in and get going it’s much easier and less painful that way!”
But the reality is once the water temp gets to, in my opinion, 60 F and below, you actually have to do the opposite. The colder the water gets from there, the SLOWER you need to get in, for safety reasons!
And for the record, I like my indoor pools at 79 and my outdoor pools at 76. But I’ll swim in my club’s LCM unheated pool when it is above 60 F (I’d love to beat my cold water record of 59, but the pool has never gotten that cold and been open!).
I was happy when I was traveling to Northern Europe last week, and had a chance to swim in water that's not hot (however it was a bit cold - still 5 - 7°C (41 - 45°F) there that I couldn't swim for more than half an hour - 12 - 15°C (54°F - 60°F) is certainly better for me).
Now everything has been over and I've returned home, where the temperature now is 23°C (73°F).
I'm happy with my new 200m PR of 3:11 yesterday, and my new 800m PR of 13:56 today. (FS/SC).
(That 800m time is exactly 2x what I swam at my first meet for 400m on Apr 13th!!)
This is huge for me and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am!! I still have a long way to go to be in the shape I was 4 years ago, but with each passing workout I am that much closer.
:wave: Welcome back, dear friend! Although we have stayed in touch during your swimming hiatus, it is so GREAT to have you back on the forums! :bliss:
