Getting Back in the Water

George, I hope you are sticking with it a month after your post. I too had been out of the water for a number of years, and got back into swimming in August 2005. That first time back in the pool, it felt automatic to do four 25 yard lengths of freestyle as soon as I sliped into the water. Then I had to stop to catch my breath, and realized just how out of shape my body really was. I kept going to the pool once a week, doing about 20 pool lengths per workout. Then I started going twice a week. Now, three months later, I swim four mornings most weeks. On Saturdays, I try to do as many lengths as I can during the one hour session. Weekdays I keep it at 20 lengths so I'm not tired out when I start work after swimming. I still spend more time resting between laps than swimming. So the next goal in these workouts is to pace my stroke to increase the number of lengths between rest stops. This has really been worth it. I sleep better and have more energy. My clothes fit better. My wife has noticed the difference in my physique. And most importantly, I am sure that the swimming I did back in high school and college got me in shape in a way that has made it much easier for me to get BACK into shape now that I am fifty. Please let us know how you are doing with your routine.

George, I hope you are sticking with it a month after your post. I too had been out of the water for a number of years, and got back into swimming in August 2005. That first time back in the pool, it felt automatic to do four 25 yard lengths of freestyle as soon as I sliped into the water. Then I had to stop to catch my breath, and realized just how out of shape my body really was. I kept going to the pool once a week, doing about 20 pool lengths per workout. Then I started going twice a week. Now, three months later, I swim four mornings most weeks. On Saturdays, I try to do as many lengths as I can during the one hour session. Weekdays I keep it at 20 lengths so I'm not tired out when I start work after swimming. I still spend more time resting between laps than swimming. So the next goal in these workouts is to pace my stroke to increase the number of lengths between rest stops. This has really been worth it. I sleep better and have more energy. My clothes fit better. My wife has noticed the difference in my physique. And most importantly, I am sure that the swimming I did back in high school and college got me in shape in a way that has made it much easier for me to get BACK into shape now that I am fifty. Please let us know how you are doing with your routine.