Brilliant Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I have been running for a little over a year. So I'm in moderately good aerobic health. I tried swimming freestyle laps this morning for the first time since Carter was president. I seriously thought I was going to drown. Some other swimmers seemed to be having the same problem. I was EXHAUSTED after every 50 meters, even though my arms weren't exhausted. I just felt like I couldn't get enough oxygen even though I gulped for air every other stroke. The coach told us this was normal. He called it something which I don't remember. Was it hard for you to start? How long until it gets better? I didn't get a chance to talk to the coach afterward. I'm sure he'll give more advice/encouragement next week but I'm thinking I need to drop by Sunday to get a refund, so I need answers now. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 You are just getting used to a new exercise, one in which you can't breathe whenever you want to. I experienced a similar reaction the first time I got back in the pool after many years of not swimming. Your body will acclimate quickly if you keep at it. Also, keep in mind that swimming utilizes SO MANY MUSCLES SIMULTANEOUSLY that it is exhausting at first just because of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I run, and I've been running for 4 years. This year I started adding swimming to my routine. Once a week, while my kids are at swim practice, I swim. It's hard! Breathing is difficult. If you know your swimming technique is ok, then I would say it will just take time to get the breathing down. You may want to try some laps with a kick board, that way you don't have to worry about breathing as much. It is great exercise. Don't give up! It will all come together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 You may want to try some laps with a kick board, that way you don't have to worry about breathing as much. :iagree: This is what I do for the most part. I sometimes do the breaststroke but it's not very pretty.:glare: I do the kickboard for 1/2 to 1 mile, and it takes me nearly an hour. I've been running as my main exercise for over 25 years. Swimming has helped some with my running. I just don't breathe through my mouth very well, whether running or swimming, or sleeping for that matter.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 It is hard for me to do more than a full lap. We've not been swimming for months. I hope to start back with it on Fridays as soon as we get back home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Definitely don't drop it! If you were once a swimmer, it will take about two weeks (4-5 times a week) to feel normal again, just at a slower pace. If you were always a runner and not a swimmer, it could take a little longer. There are a lot of triathletes in masters swimming. Fins are very motivating! So are sprint 25's and 50's on an interval (as opposed to a 500 straight.) It's a lot more fun to go fast. Personally, I never get any value out of kicking at all. I hate kicking (and it shows.) To decide if it's helping you or you're just wasting your time, check your heart rate (greater than 150 per minute) From coaching high school (they're almost adults, right?) I can tell you that "aerobic fitness" doesn't translate all that well from any of the fall sports. That expectation is unrealistic. The cross country runners had as many endurance problems at the beginning of the season as everybody else, just fewer toe cramps. And the football players were in shock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 When I first started swimming regularly, I'd divide it up, swimming the backstrokeon the way back. This helped me catch my breath so that I didn't have to rest between laps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted September 6, 2012 Author Share Posted September 6, 2012 Thanks for the encouragement. I probably won't drop the class. The problem is figuring out how to get more pool time in, to get up to 4 days a week or so. About using a kickboard - I feel like I need to work on my upper body more - so isn't that counter-intuitive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 No, Using the Kickboard is a great way to warm up as well as work your lower body without killing your joints. I have a hip problem and my Doctors forced me into the pool. Seriously, I hate swimming. Now, I'm addicted. I was walking past a mirror one day and caught sight of my butt after I'd been swimming twice a week for a month, doing several laps with the kickboard. Let's just say I'm bummed I can't swim right now because of bursitis.:D That leads me to my other piece of advice, stay in the class to get advice on your stroke. Apparently, over the last year I've been arching my arm too high and overextending my shoulder on my left side. Now I have Bursitis from overuse of the joint and am in PT for at least the next month. Not to mention out money from x-rays and cortisone shots. Swimming is FABULOUS exercises, but, like any exercise, improper form will injure you.:glare: Blessings! Dorinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I started swimming for (very) short triathalons a few years ago. Believe me when I tell you, I am super slow. I used to run in a previous life. I'm still an awful swimmer, but it's much more comfortable when I first started. Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 It was *really* hard for me at first -- but got better *shockingly* quickly. I've also discovered the wonder that is prescription swim goggles. For others like me who are blind without glasses, it makes the whole experience worlds better... :) (They're cheap too! Under $30 shipped! I keep telling ds that as soon as his head is big enough to fit them comfortably, I'll order some for him too...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I would LOVE to swim for exercise - unfortunately that would involve joining the $55/mo YMCA. :crying: Someday...... :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Definitely don't drop it! If you were once a swimmer, it will take about two weeks (4-5 times a week) to feel normal again, just at a slower pace. If you were always a runner and not a swimmer, it could take a little longer. There are a lot of triathletes in masters swimming. Fins are very motivating! So are sprint 25's and 50's on an interval (as opposed to a 500 straight.) It's a lot more fun to go fast. Personally, I never get any value out of kicking at all. I hate kicking (and it shows.) To decide if it's helping you or you're just wasting your time, check your heart rate (greater than 150 per minute) From coaching high school (they're almost adults, right?) I can tell you that "aerobic fitness" doesn't translate all that well from any of the fall sports. That expectation is unrealistic. The cross country runners had as many endurance problems at the beginning of the season as everybody else, just fewer toe cramps. And the football players were in shock! Yes! Fins! They do make it fun. You feel fast, like you can really race. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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