Thanks for the encouragement! My wife and I joined our local rec center just before the new year and the biggest draw for me was the pool. She swam in high school but has since fallen out of shape, so I'm hoping that time together in the pool can make us both better. I likely wouldn't be there without her. As such, I don't really have a plan, which is pretty much the same for my running and cycling most of the time. I've just gotten better at both of those by doing them regularly, slowly increasing distance until I become "fast." No sprints or specific hill climbs...just run. Just bike. And (for now) just swim. Maybe after getting used to the water, I can put all the pieces together and do some sprint tris. Right now, the rec center has an indoor tri series every few weeks. It appears to be self reported and points are just based on how many you complete.
Thanks, as well, for the recommendations on equipment. I bought a pair of goggles already. The Wirecutter (where I go for suggestions on everything I don't really care or know how to research) suggested the Aqua Sphere Kayennes. They've worked well so far. If I keep at this, another pair of goggles is a good idea. As for the clothing, I'm not super self conscious – I run and bike in tights already – but I'll end up with a pair of jammers mostly because my wife wouldn't be seen with me in briefs. Ha! I have a deal with her where I need to run a 5k in 19:15 (or a little less than 2 minutes faster than my PR) and she'll buy me a pair of real, legit, super short running shorts. I think I'd need to beat Michael Phelps to get a pair of swim briefs!
But, so far, so good. I'll be sure to check in on this thread from time to time to note my progress
Well, I can say that having a swim buddy makes a big difference. Having an experienced swimmer, even if out of shape, is a huge benefit as well.
I’ve reccomended this swim program to a couple people looking to get into swimming. They’ve had success with it. You might like it. It brings you to a 1000 yard straight swim (it’s in meters but yards are essentially interchangeable).
https://www.speedo.com/on/demandwar.../media/uk/1K-WET-Training-Plans-BEGINNERS.pdf
The only modification I would reccomend is swimming more than 2x a week. It’s best to swim 4+ times a week, so I’d either do each session twice or do 2 weeks worth of sessions every week.
Aqua sphere Kayennes are very recreational looking swimming goggles. I suppose they’re probably more comfortable and less prone to leaking. Growing up doing competitive swimming I tend to train like a competitive swimmer despite the fact I don’t compete anymore - so my advice tends to be competition oriented more than casual fitness. Maybe I’ll join a team again at some point...
I met my current girlfriend in the pool. We’ve been dating for 7 years... probably going to get married once she finishes med school. She gives me a hard time about speedos but I tell her it’s why she was attracted me in the first place hahah. If you swim at a pool with seasoned swimmers they won’t think twice about anyone wearing swim briefs (except maybe the 50 YO obese guy covered in body hair). Most experienced swimmers wear speedos except for important swim meets where you spend $300 on a tech suit that lasts 3 meets at most before wearing out.
I suppose at the end of the day it’s what you’re most comfortable with. You will notice a massive difference from wearing regular baggy swim trunks though. Swim trunks aren’t ideal for maintaining good form either.
BTW I noticed Arena is having a sale on some of their suits here- ~$10-15 for poly suits apparently with free shipping. That’s a really good deal. I might buy one or two- you can never have enough suits. As I mentioned earlier I’ve never used regular Arena suits, but I’m a fan of their tech suits. For $10-15 you can’t go wrong.
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You're absolutely right – breathing is the toughest part. I had private swim lessons when I was a kid, where I learned how to take breaths and everything, but I've long forgotten that, so I'm trying to relearn. With running, I can get into a zone where, breathing-wise, I feel like I can run forever. I haven't come close to finding that in the pool yet, but it is way early. I imagine I'll eventually get there
If you’re in good cardio shape from running than you’re ahead of the curve. Just make sure you lift your head out of the water sideways (not forwards) and turn your head out of the water as little as possible- just enough to suck in some air. Try to force yourself to breath every 3 or 5 strokes (if you breathe bilaterally) or 4-6 (if you breathe unilaterally).