Like many masters swimmers, I had unrealized swimming goals, and decided to attempt to realize them. Only, I had taken 30 years off… I got back in the water 10 years ago. It took me an entire year just to build an aerobic base. I didn’t know about Power Lung at the time! In 2000, I had 3 finishes in the top 10 in my age group in USMS nationals (longcourse yards) and two years later, a similar result. At that time, I was swimming with my son’s group-well sort of. Let’s just say I was in the pool at the same time. Anyway-the yardage was intense: 3000-4000 yards two mornings a week and 5000-6000 yards Saturday/Sunday.
I learned too late that those yardages are too much for an old gal like me. Especially since I am a professional flute player. The shoulders are not happy doing both activities so intensely.
I have been out of the water pretty much since May 2008. Luckily I do now know about Power Lung, and have faithfully used it in this time, and have progressed through the three levels of the Performer Series. My breathing for the flute has been much the same as when I was doing all that swimming.
I have started an adult “Lapsters” group at my local YMCA, where I coach folks who want to get back in shape, who want to improve their swimming for Triathalons, and a couple of real college swimming studs who haven’t been in the water for a long time, but look great because their line is so perfect.
This weekend, I plan to swim the warm up with my group, and start my re-entry there.
This will be an interesting time to see how much the Power Lung has helped preserve my aerobic capacity.
