Swim help please

ellesan

ellesan

Cathlete
I'm preparing for my first triathlon in May, used to swim a lot (swim team ages 5-10), haven't been in the pool for 25 years!

Went swimming 4 days ago for the first time, surprised it was harder than I remember! I swam for 20 minutes, had to stop 4-5 times for 20-30 sec to catch my breath. I knew next time I needed to swim at a slower pace.

Today I felt good as I got in the water. I swam for 30 minutes, only taking two 15 second breaks. I felt ok as I got out of the water. Then the nausea hit me. Not running to the bathroom puking, but underlying waves of nausea and just feeling hot.

My plan was to do a "brick" workout, so I went to the bike and did an easy 20 minutes--still felt nauseous. I drank water t/o the bike.

It's now almost an hour later and I had a banana and chocolate milk and still feel crappy.

I don't feel that I over did it, I kept a good pace and don't feel like my HR was over 70% max.

Could it be just that it's "new" to me? Water temp? Chlorine? Just wondering why I'd feel that way.

Thanks!
 
Sandra

Your symptoms could be a mild case of oxygen deprivation. Your body could still be adjusting to the stroke to breath relationship. Definitely slow your pace down, take a breath for every third stroke. Right stroke, left stroke, right stroke - breath. Also - relax as much as possible - you want to slice through - glide through the water.

The US Masters Swimmers website has great information and resources.

http://www.usms.org/


Congrats on your Triathlon training, what an inspiration!
:D
 
Thanks Janis!

I don't think it was o2 deprivation, but I could be wrong ;) I've been exercising for a long time and never felt that.

It's strange because I swam harder the first day, only breathing on the right side and irregular, and then ran 2 miles and didn't feel nauseous...why today when I swam at a slower pace but for longer? I had much more regular breathing today as well..right stroke, left stroke, breath right--stroke, left stroke, right stroke, breath left--stroke, etc. I thought about the breathing so much I lost count of my laps!

I am taking a few lessons with a triathlon coach next week, so I'll be sure to ask him. I checked out USMS but there's not one really close to me--bummer! I'd love to have a group to swim with. I will look at their resources though, thanks!
 
The USMS website has a lot of good information, so just look at that. What was the water temp? If it was too warm, it can be like running on a 90 degree day. Also, if the pool balance of chemicals was off the second day, there could have been more gasses in the air, and that could have affected you. Try it again,slow down a bit, and see if you feel the same.
 
Just want to cheer you on, hope you can sort it out, I find sometimes, when things catch up to me, I need more of a break, your body is trying to tell you something, keep listening. That's a good thing.;)

Linda
 
I think it is just the change in workout. I mean I used to run with the best of them and then one day I took a spin class that had me gasping for air. Once your body gets used to the change in cardio (swimming) you'll be swiming like a mermaid. Heck I'm jealous, . . despite the fact that I lived on an island for 13 years I still can't swim. :( I love hearing about your training, . . can't wait for you to do your tri, . .keep us posted.
 
Thanks all for the info! I really appreciate it. The water felt good while I was in it, no stinging eyes or breathing problems, so I didn't feel like the chemicals were overwhelming (and I have a really sensitive sense of smell). Maybe it was too warm? All I know is that my body better get used to it because it's my only resource for swimming right now!

I will try to take it easy, my next swim day is Friday. :D
 
Just here to cheer you on and sympathize. I was a competitive swimmer more than 30 years ago and I was so serious about it I did two 2-hour workouts per day in the summer. In the winter time, it was one hour in the morning, two hours after school. I'm still in pretty darn good shape 30 some years later thanks in part to Cathe. Well, last summer, or maybe the one before, I tried to swim some laps, and it was just hopeless! I felt out of breath, fatigued, it was just no fun. Interestingly enough, when I was swimming so much, I once tried to run a mile and I could not -- just could not get my breathing right to be able to do it. There is definitely something to be said for cross-training! You go!!
 
Wow, that's some serious swimming!! :eek:
Yeah, I think part of it is that although I'm in good shape, swimming is so different--it's definitely schooling me a bit (not to mention my ego)! Thanks for the sympathy and support. :D

I'm excited for my swim lesson next week!
 
I find water that is comfortable when you first get in, too warm for swimming. A little chill at first is good, and then after about 300 yards, you feel good if you keep moving. Otherwise I have to slow down a bit or the warmth of the water fatigues me. I like a temp around 80, competition temp is closer to 78.
 
Yeah, you're right, I think it was too warm. I'm going to ask about the temp when I go tomorrow. I'm also going to make sure I keep hydrated during the workout (which I didn't do last time--just water before/after) and make sure I take more breaks between sets.

I also found a newly formed Master's swim group in my area--I'm excited to check it out!
 
It's only my 3rd swim, and I swam a mile yesterday! :D:D

Made sure I had a banana before the workout, stopped more frequently for mini-hydryation breaks, and...no nausea! I'm relieved that it didn't happen again. Can't wait to get back in the pool, I'm loving it!
 
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