61 year old male, ex-Navy diver, ex competative swimmer (about a 100 years ago) has decided to start swimming again. I've joined the YMCA in Huntington WV last week and joined the US Triathlon association and the US Masters Swim organization also last week. I am serious about starting swimming so I can become competetive in my age group in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle. I don't have a local coach and the closest Masters team from Huntington WV seems to be about an hour away in Charleston WV YMCA.
What would you all suggest as far as getting a training program and a coach? I'd appreciate any comments.
thanks
John Lentz
First and foremost welcome to the Masters John!
As far as getting a coach and workouts go, I won't be an expert. However before we can suggest workouts and routines for you I would suggest to find the following:
Have you maintained a solid set of fitness since your days as a Navy Diver and competitive swimmer or is there some catching up to do?
How far can you swim now? Is a 50 manageable at a relatively easy pace or does it leave you winded?
How does it feel to swim? Is it something you're going to have to get "reacquainted" with? (this will give hints into where your form is at).
Next - I would start with relatively small swim workouts that focus directly on form. Swim short distances performing drills, feel your stroke out and find what works for you. As you regain your strength and comfort in the water, start increasing speed and distance.
As sample workout within the next day or two might go as follows:
Warm Up:
300 Swim
100 Pull
100 Kick
6x25 Drill
1x50 Easy Swim
6x25 Sprints
1x50 Easy Swim
3x50 Texas Style 50s (So I'm told they're called, you start in the middle of the pool and it gives you an extra turn off the wall per 50)
Cool Down:
200 Swim
Of course - this is something I would do to start my training JUST for the 50. I wouldn't worry about the 100 for at least the first month or two of getting back into it.
Also: Find Meets in your local area:
USMS Event Search and just start competing once you have a strong enough 50. Remember - no matter who you beat or who you lose to, you're always really competing against yourself.
I'm sure others will have twice the information to post as I do (and far more accurate) but it will also mean we're excited to have you here! Welcome Again!
First and foremost welcome to the Masters John!
As far as getting a coach and workouts go, I won't be an expert. However before we can suggest workouts and routines for you I would suggest to find the following:
Have you maintained a solid set of fitness since your days as a Navy Diver and competitive swimmer or is there some catching up to do?
How far can you swim now? Is a 50 manageable at a relatively easy pace or does it leave you winded?
How does it feel to swim? Is it something you're going to have to get "reacquainted" with? (this will give hints into where your form is at).
Next - I would start with relatively small swim workouts that focus directly on form. Swim short distances performing drills, feel your stroke out and find what works for you. As you regain your strength and comfort in the water, start increasing speed and distance.
As sample workout within the next day or two might go as follows:
Warm Up:
300 Swim
100 Pull
100 Kick
6x25 Drill
1x50 Easy Swim
6x25 Sprints
1x50 Easy Swim
3x50 Texas Style 50s (So I'm told they're called, you start in the middle of the pool and it gives you an extra turn off the wall per 50)
Cool Down:
200 Swim
Of course - this is something I would do to start my training JUST for the 50. I wouldn't worry about the 100 for at least the first month or two of getting back into it.
Also: Find Meets in your local area:
USMS Event Search and just start competing once you have a strong enough 50. Remember - no matter who you beat or who you lose to, you're always really competing against yourself.
I'm sure others will have twice the information to post as I do (and far more accurate) but it will also mean we're excited to have you here! Welcome Again!
