I just started swimming again recently

[skullgrinder]

I have to admit. I have never swam for time before and it has been kicking my tail. I am in competitive shape for everything but the swim. It does not help that I live up here in Denver either. Yeah, it is great when you go down to sea level. But, it takes a lot more time and effort to start seeing results on any type of exercise program when you are at this altitude. I just learned how to do the CSS 3 weeks ago. Last week I got 17:25 on the 500 meter swim. This week I got 16:04. I know that is a good improvement. But, it is still a kick in the pants when I am not even at qualifying time. I somehow thought that because I could run good, that it would travel over to the pool. WRONG. Are any of you other guys out there not natural swimmers like myself? I have to work for everything. Always have and always will. Some people have good genetics some don't. I thought I would have done better the first time I did it. Oh well. With time and hard work I am sure I will get it down.

[ipvincentew]

There is no substitute for pool time. If you are doing well in the run, the cardio strength is there. It's a matter of honing your swimming technique and endurance.

Without question the altitude has an inpact -- that's why the olympic training center is in Colorado Springs -- but when you come to sea level, your cardio will be that much better.

As for the times, keep at it. You might want to find a local swim coach and at least talk with him or her. They should have a multitude of different stroke drills to increase your efficiency and a wide array of different swim sets/workouts. Some will focus on speed and some will focus on endurance -- you need both.

[IT3IHateSand]

I couldn't swim worth a crap, not even 2 laps of css without taking a break, that was 6 months before BUD/s, once I got there I wasn't killing times, but I was passing and keeping up. Now I'm going back and that's my MAIN focus, if I could do one thing differently, I would be in the water every day, which is what i'm doing. Once you have the stroke down, then it's all conditioning and power in the legs.

[skullgrinder]

Thats what I have noticed. I did not realize how much the CSS works your lungs. Well, at least if you are trying to go for time. Right now my plan is to just swim greater distances by way of conditioning swims. So, when I do the 500 it will be like nothing.

[shaboigin]

When you enlist at MEPS and if you talk to the SEAL guy there he will (hopefully) give you a physical fitness guide. It was created by Specwar guys to give candidates a better chance at passing. Ive been using it the past couple of weeks, and the workouts may not seem as intense but i have noticed better results. If you dont have this guide send me a pm with your email address and ill scan a copy and send it to you.

[Illmaxic]

I couldn't swim worth a crap, not even 2 laps of css without taking a break, that was 6 months before BUD/s, once I got there I wasn't killing times, but I was passing and keeping up. Now I'm going back and that's my MAIN focus, if I could do one thing differently, I would be in the water every day, which is what i'm doing. Once you have the stroke down, then it's all conditioning and power in the legs.

sing it brother. haha, that last sentence is so very true

[jrselecta]

I'm in the same boat as skullgrinder & was wondering if you can send me the guide you mentioned as well(jrselecta@yahoo.com).