Friday, September 03, 2010

swimming goals

The other day I was reading some blogs/fitness articles about new swimmers and a how to do a swimming training schedule. I have never given much thought to improving my swimming endurance. I have just been thinking along the lines of learning how to breath on each side, do the stroke correctly, etc. Now I do not mean to imply that I have even mastered these basics - I am still learning for sure. But the articles that I read made me think that I should focus my morning swims on distance as well as skills so that I can build my endurance.

With that in mind I went to the pool this morning and did 11 laps (down and back) total (550 yds or meters (I'm not sure of the what the pool length is measured in)). So this will be my baseline. It took me the whole 30 minutes, but I do rest between laps. For the last lap, I didn't stop at all on the down and back doing the freestyle - that is a first for me!

For those who may be worried that they will unknowingly break some pool rules, they are actually pretty easy (common sense, not like bowling etiquette). Stay in your own lane (assuming you have a whole lane to yourself); if you do have to share - try to pick the lane that has someone of a similar skill level as you to share with; if you share a lane, stay on your side the whole time (not like a race track); don't talk to people - nobody talks when they swim and if they are resting, they are probably about to start up again; when you go for the ladder and have to cross others lanes, try to be as minimally disruptive as possible, as in try to cross while they are at the other end of the pool. Anyone else know of any other pool rules?