Hey all,
I'm just getting back into swimming, after swimming competitively for about 10 years in grade school and High School. Swimming was my life in those days, but I haven't been in a pool for about 8 years.
I've been reading some of the posts on this forum from people who have gotten back into swimming, and have gotten loads of good advice. However, one thing I haven't stumbled on is a good workout for someone like me.
I'm 26, and although not overweight, I'm VERY out of shape. I can't do much more than a 50 before I'm dead. I have no endurance whatsoever. This is both due to lack of cardio fitness, and lack of "muscle strength". Can anyone recommend some (specific) workout ideas (drills, sets, etc) that can help me in both these areas? Primarily I need to build my cardio, as I think it is a big reason why my muscles tire so quickly.
I am anxious to build up to doing the 3500 - 5000 yard sets that I used to do in high school, but I know the dangers of overtraining and don't want to go down that road.
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Former Member
Thanks for the above reply.
I have done some thinking (and swimming) about this.
First off, as I was swimming today there was a guy in the lane next to me I have seen there before and exchanged "Hi howaya" with before. He has the similar issue as the first poster -- can't do more than 50 without having to stop. I was finishing an early, quick 200 sprint when I realized why he was getting tired --> he was hauling butt! I was at a flat out sprint, and while I cannot consider myself fast, I was early and fresh, and was at the same pace (roughly). Is there a chance you are not pacing yourself well? I used to be a runner, and I had re-pace myself each time I would take a running hiatus (like each time I screwed up my knee) even though it hurt my pride to go slower.
Next, I tried the intervals today for the first time ever. It turns out the pool I am in is meters and not yards, so I did 200 M warmup, then did 4 100 freestyle intervals, then a 300 (got tired) cooldown butterfly. I didn't even realize how much I had done until I looked at the clock -- 45 minutes total, almost 1,000 M. I was surprised, as it felt like a normal, slightly easier workout. We'll see how it builds by endurance, so far I am pleased!
Thanks for the help. I will get as much reading material as I can devour for the future.
Thanks for the above reply.
I have done some thinking (and swimming) about this.
First off, as I was swimming today there was a guy in the lane next to me I have seen there before and exchanged "Hi howaya" with before. He has the similar issue as the first poster -- can't do more than 50 without having to stop. I was finishing an early, quick 200 sprint when I realized why he was getting tired --> he was hauling butt! I was at a flat out sprint, and while I cannot consider myself fast, I was early and fresh, and was at the same pace (roughly). Is there a chance you are not pacing yourself well? I used to be a runner, and I had re-pace myself each time I would take a running hiatus (like each time I screwed up my knee) even though it hurt my pride to go slower.
Next, I tried the intervals today for the first time ever. It turns out the pool I am in is meters and not yards, so I did 200 M warmup, then did 4 100 freestyle intervals, then a 300 (got tired) cooldown butterfly. I didn't even realize how much I had done until I looked at the clock -- 45 minutes total, almost 1,000 M. I was surprised, as it felt like a normal, slightly easier workout. We'll see how it builds by endurance, so far I am pleased!
Thanks for the help. I will get as much reading material as I can devour for the future.
