Hi, I have swam for 3 years. At the time I quit, which was at age 14, I was competing at a state level.
Here are some of my PRs (just for reference):
50 yards freestyle: ~25 sec
100 yards freestyle: ~55 sec
50 yards backstroke ~ 30 sec
50 yards *** stroke ~ 32 sec
50 yards butterfly ~ 34 sec
It has almost been 2 years since I last swam. I'm definitely not out of shape. I've been playing soccer and running. But I am noticeably less fit than when I was swimming.
Today I am beginning my long journey to getting back into shape. I have two goals I want to achieve by Nov 17 (when the school season starts):
1) come within 5 seconds of my PRs
2) go under 1:15 for 100 yards of any stroke
So.... Time for the questions:
How challenging are my goals?
Where do I begin? Just do some long easy swims for a week, and then get down to workouts? Or start with easy workouts and gradually up the difficulty?
When and how much time should be dedicated to technique practice, drills, and turn/start practice?
When should I get to doing kick boards, buoys, or flipper drills?
Any specific exercises you can recommend?
Thanks! :D
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Former Member
First of all, congrats on getting back in the pool. I would say to start with gradual workouts (low yardage low intensity) and start to increase yardage to increase your endurance. When you hit peak yardage then start to increase intensity and finally increase intensity and decrease the yardage. I would say to intro the "tools of the trade" around the second week of your workouts; let your body get acclimated to the water again. Oh, and definitely do some drill sets to get your technique back!
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Former Member
First of all, congrats on getting back in the pool. I would say to start with gradual workouts (low yardage low intensity) and start to increase yardage to increase your endurance. When you hit peak yardage then start to increase intensity and finally increase intensity and decrease the yardage. I would say to intro the "tools of the trade" around the second week of your workouts; let your body get acclimated to the water again. Oh, and definitely do some drill sets to get your technique back!