Exhausted after swimming

[anappleadaykeeps]

I know I'm not as fit as I used to be, but I swam 12 lengths in the pool earlier (lunchtime), and I was exhausted this afternoon - ended up falling asleep for 3 hours.

I was fine at the time (took a short break after each 2 lengths, ie each time I got back to the shallow end), and my heart rate never went above 110.

I'm a busy working single mum, and always a bit short on sleep, but good at keeping going, and this was the first kid-free and work-free day in several weeks.

I had SO MUCH planned to do today, and only got about 1/3 of it done. How could swimming just 12 lengths have knocked me out like this? Am I really that unfit?

I used to find that swimming was the most exhausting activity for me. I'd be less tired after two hours in the gym than 30 minutes in the pool! Mind you, I have ME, but everyone always suggests swimming, and don't seem to grasp that it's exhausting. Don't know why.

Sorry to hear it wiped you out, that must have been so frustrating with everything you planned to do.

Interesting! I like water, I am not afraid of it (with a PADI! 30 years ago! 😊) But I can't swim to save myself - well, actually, I can save myself😊 but one length of an Olympic pool? Gasping like a fool. I assume my technique is crap, I did 'stroke correction but I'm still rubbish! The

Swimming may be a red herring. I had a nasty virus last week the main symptom being exhaustion and a slightly sore throat. I was beyond tired despite sufficient sleep etc. So you may be going down with something

I always feel exhausted after swimming. I don't think it's a fitness thing. I used to be super-fit and train pretty hard (10-12 hours/week) plus cycle everywhere but a couple of recreational lengths of a pool would knock me out. I never figured out why but I feel your frustration.

Sounds like you needed that 3 hours' sleep. Nothing to be ashamed of - we all get tired at times and need to catch up on sleep. And the swim will have done you good.

I swim twice a week, am a good leisure swimmer ( 20 non stop lengths at an easy paced crawl ). Get out, feel both relaxed and invigorated, do some work, concentration seems improved, then - bam, late afternoon I feel poleaxed and it’s real struggle not to curl up for a immediate nap. Don’t get that effect with other types of exercise.

My DD isa swimming coach and explained why this could be happening ( something to do with hydrostatic pressure ) - its certainly not unusual, apparently.