Confessions of a Rock (aka I SWAM this AM!)

Kkaufer

Haven't seen many postings about people swimming in the JOS, so I figure I'd admit it first:

My name is Kate and I swam this AM.  Now, there are reasons why the Coaches don't include swimming the OS plans (as elaborated here: http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/91/Default.aspx?topic=OffSeason+Swimming+Thoughts), and I'm not going to argue with those, but for me, myself and I the following applies:

* My 1:14 IM swim belies my 'rock' status since it was strongly current-assisted (Thank you, Louisville!).  I'm more of a 1:35 2.4 mile OWS swimmer 

* I enjoy swimming and this being a non-IM year, I don't want to always be 'sensible' and save myself for the BIG race day 

* There's little admin cost since I have easy access to a pool.

* I'm not going to swim during test weeks, and only once/week the rest of the time, and only if I'm not uber-tired, and I'm going to focus on technique, not endurance.

There, I said it.  Feel much better now 

morpheus

Kate,

I'm with ya. I've moved up the speed rating from 'swimming backwards' to 'rock'. So, baby steps!

but, I will forge on, no matter how frustrating it is.

I'm swimming about 2x week right now, JOS. And, will be building to 4-5x week by Fall. Mostly drills. This is a light year for me, also, so my swimming for the whole year will be technique based. The only 'long' sets I'll be doing will be 1500m at the 2 olympic dist races I have planned. That's it.


This post is a good idea. As a pathetic swimmer, I tend to avoid any discussion of the swim cuz I have nothing to offer.

Let's keep this rolling thru the OS, just posting what kind of swim you did for the day/week so that we can stay accountable/consistent.

But, if the bike/runs of the OS start suffering from it...adjust accordingly.

Al Truscott

I swim 1-3 times a week, year round, for different reasons:

• I get SAUs. My wife and I have long history of swimming Sunday mornings, and sometimes on Thurs or Tues. In the summer, the Sunday swim is in a lake. 
• I'm a life-long swimmer, on teams age 11-21, and recreationally since then. I wouldn't know how to give it up.
• It's the only time I take a shower?

In the OS, I do not try to improve my swimming fitness, I'm just doing it for fun. I do follow some EN OS swimming workouts published a few years ago, just to give myself some structure: https://app.box.com/shared/8k23pib54d

Satish Punna

Hey Kate I am maybe one or two levels above a rock but I plan on swimming at least twice a week to work on my technique and endurance. I like swimming, it makes me feel like a complete athlete, and my local pool is close by and has great hours so the bandwidth expenditure is not all that oppressive. In fact a good swim workout in the AM gives me a daylong high that exceeds most running and cycling workouts. I think it's because one can have a 'good' swim without necessarily shelling oneself.

That being said swimming is the lowest priority so will be the first to get dropped should scheduling conflicts or fatigue arise!

ejshimon

I'm also with ya Kate, 

 I like to swim at least once a week during the OS, unless time crunch and fatigue rear their ugly heads. Satish hit it on the head for me. I get a great high the whole day after a morning swim, and can have 'good' workout without the burnout. I love swimming and the pool is close by. The calorie burn is like no other for me. I maintain my weight much better through the OS with some good ole' wall tag. I do work on technique, with RnP's guidance bouncing around in my head as my hands, arms, head, body position, breathing...... all try to take over the stroke at any one time... soooo hard to put it all together at the same time. That's another reason I like to get in the water. Granted, it probably takes at least 3x per week to really see improvements. But I feel more comfortable with the techniques if I at least try to apply them for longer than just the spin up to races - cause then I tend to default more into distance and fitness than technique - bad Ed.

Now back to your regularly scheduled workout... 

colsjb

Glad to see this discussion as I was curious on how 'militant' or not the group is on adding swim workouts outside of the standard plan.  If anything, the limited amount of swimming I intend to do over the next 3-4 months is in part of the "pre-hab" that I've found works for me and will keep my healthy enough to do the run & bike workouts on the plan

steve Beyer

@ Kate...I didn't swim at all last OS, which I think was good for me then as it was my first and didn't know what to expect. But I like swimming, as I feel like it helps my legs recover, and also for some of the intangibles mentioned by Ed and Satish.

So while I totally agree with the reasoning outlined by RnP for not swimming during OS, it must definitely be OK if approached properly...if for no other reason than the fact that Al T. subscribes to OS swimming

I'm going to swim 1x/wk. on Thur. mornings this OS.....I don't start work till 1pm that day, can sleep in, the local Y is close, and already discussed with my wife how we can go to the YMCA together that day (SAU's). Plan on totally following Al's approach to it....just for fun, not fitness.....and won't hesitate to bag it if it feels like a chore.

tim cronk

There is nothing to confess or admit... I think more swim and NOT..

The only reason not to swim and its a good one is the ROI.....

There are many reasons why to swim.
You enjoy it.
Have the time.
Its convenient.
Your willing to work your ass off for that 1 minute off your IM swim.

I swim for all those reasons.... During the OS I apply OS theory to my swimming.... Usually 2-3 times a week... Short very hard intervals usually 25's and 50's one day, 100's-200's another day , and if I swim a 3rd day that will be 400-1000's endurance and technique....its also when I play around with anklebands , snorkels, paddles , and fins

Here is a typical OS swim for me.... 33minutes of get in , warm up , go to work, get out!!!
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/426899397

Gaudir8

@tc I am with you. I am unemployed. Er retired and I have swam 5 days a week since nos started. Little different fro me since I have not swam since 2010 because of my wreck but I find the swim therapeutic particularly after a tough workout.

Bill Manard

@Al, I'm there with you on the SAUs. My wife and I have a long-term pattern of swimming together Friday nights (you know, date night...), and maintaining this during the OS is important. If it helps my fitness, that's fine, but that's not the most important reason for me.

Wilddaizy73

I have swam as well because I bought new fins and paddles. My other ones fell apart due to age. I enjoyed the water, but I did keep it modest.

Happy to hear others have also done some swimming.