swimming for fitness

[HoppityFrogs]

I've started swimming to get fit, does anybody else swim for fit? Can we encourage each other?

I went half an hour later this morning thanks to the school hols and the pool was very quiet. I ended up having the fast lane to myself (was brave enough to go in it when nobody else was!). I thought I'd try to breathe every three strokes (I usually do every 4 and always on the right) and I found it really tricky – breaking the habit of a lifetime I guess. I only managed a few lengths that way. I see Best was asking too and thanks for the article, Shotgun. It would be good to persevere, but at the moment less convenient!

My costume is a cheap AquaSphere one from ProSwimwear. Boyleg to reduce bikini line maintenance. Going fine so far, and I've bought another one the same to replace it: www.proswimwear.co.uk/aqua-sphere-scarlett-womens-costume-black-white.html

I did 30 lengths today, all front crawl. I managed to do a few lengths breathing every 3 but reverted to every other when I got tired. It's tricky remembering.

I managed to wrench my shoulder picking my bag up just before I went so hope I don't pay for it tomorrow.

I'm in the Canaries at the moment and kept the side up on Sunday and Monday, in the allegedly 'heated' lane pool, but found it so cold it took my breath away and made me tense up. Managed about 20 lengths of the 21m pool before I gave up. Shame as I had it all to myself. The water had a weirdly unpleasant taste in my mouth as well < boak >. Will have to stick to table tennis for exercise!
Some lovely costumes on that link Avocado - how does the sizing work though? According to the chart I'd need a 34 to fit my measurements (which I've never considered particularly excessive although like most post-menopausal women I'd like to drop a stone or so) - but I should also be 6ft tall!

Front crawl I breathe every 3 strokes, so switching sides. Took a while to get hang of that, used to only do right. I notice swim teachers usually do 3s but sometimes 5s for some swimmers. I can't do 5 on an ongoing basis.

suits: Have to go somewhere in person, I find! Sports direct?

I've been working so much I'm hardly swimming at all, argh. Hope to catch up over hols.

I've been tracking my swim since July.

Here are my monthly swims
July 1000m
Aug 4675m
Sept 8850m
Oct 9050m
Nov 10,025m
Dec 11,200m

Well chuffed - 44,800m is just under 28 miles!

So now I'm plodding through my 1mile a session distance, if I go 3x a week, I'll be able to hit the Aspire Channel Swim without a doubt!

Also going to hoik a couple of fellow swimmers to do the 5k Swimathon in March... as a team

Going to ask my swim school if they want to do it too, they could get a gaggle of us all together and we could do it as a school :)

Shotgun I bought a 34 as I wear size 8 or 10 for clothes and it is ok-ish. However I'm 5 foot 7 and felt I could do with a bit more length in the costume so the one I've got in waiting is a 36 and it is a better fit.

Hissy you are doing spectacularly well - such progress!

Good article on bilateral breathing here

Hissy, that's fantastic. I did the 5k with two friends a few years back.

(OP with a name change)....I can't swim because I've broken my leg! Worst time of year to do it - extra calories and no swimming :(

Oh no! How did you manage that?

You have my sympathies, I've had a few broken ankles. it's surprisingly tiring.

Done my 2 swims this week. 1K and 1K.
I am finding it easier but seem to have reached a plateau in terms of speed.
I guess I need to shake it up a bit like running - some intervals and strength. No hills though

Oh Periwinkle that's awful! When did it happen?

Oh Periwinkle you poor thing! How long are you out of action?

Monday and about six weeks

How did that happen Periwinkle. Sending lots of 'get well' wishes.

Can we get Periwinkle a lilo and tow her along?

6 weeks! I can't even contemplate being out of the pool action for that length of time! It would be an utter disaster!

I had a row with some broken paving slabs and broke my patella.

omg, how long will that take to heal?

Poor you Periwinkle, sending you some to cheer you up !

When you are on the mend peri, getting back in the water will be fantastic for your recovery. I had hydrotherapy for my ankles and it was amazing.

Thanks Singing Avocado I have just bought that swimsuit. It's only £7.99 at the mo.
I've ordered some goggles too

Thanks...I can't wait to get back in the water. On the plus side the swelling has gone down today and I can bend it and walk down the stairs. The joys of a brace not a pot :)

Hope you are pleased with the costume minisausage. At that price you can't go too wrong!

30 lengths today but I was gutted to find that the pool I've been swimming in is only 20 metres. I'd just assumed it was 25.

I won't be swimming there over Christmas as it's near my office so I'll have to go to a 25 metre one nearer home.

1K done early. New Aqua sphere goggles are brilliant! Thanks for the recommendation. Did 100m alternating crawl and 100m crawl with pull buoy.

Have you all been able to get out?