Swimming
 

After becoming a fairly good swimmer in my college NROTC training, I let my skills slip for a few (like 7) years. I decided to apply for a couple of programs in the Navy that require a PT test, starting with a 500 yard swim, so I got back in the pool to start practicing. Results have been disappointing.

First trip, this past Sunday. I showed up at the pool and managed 300 meters. Not all at once, mind you, but 100, then rest, then another hundred, rest, 50, rest, 50, considered another fifty or hundred but called it quits.

Next trip, today. After putting in a full day at work I came home hungry and ate a bowl of cereal. After letting that settle for a while, I went to the pool, and this time the lanes were set up the other way, so they are 25 yards long instead of 50 meters (according to the chick at the front desk). This time I worked on my timing and technique a bit more and was able to do 100 yards at a time without feeling too fatigued. I still rested in between sets of 50 or 100 yards and totaled 450 yards today. I timed a couple laps, and was able to do a 50 yd breast stroke in 1:28, as well as a 100 side stroke in 3:48. Trouble is, I'm supposed to be able to swim 500 yds in 13 minutes or less. I'll work on it.

Anybody know how to get fast in the pool quickly? Know a good but cheap coach in Carson City?

Make sure your technique is good. Swim the crawl, keep your legs straight when kicking. Keep your face in the water and bubble out your breath for 3 strokes each time before taking a breath - like 1, 2, 3, breathe and repeat. Practice your flip turns at the end and it will give you a boost pushing off the wall.

That's all I can offer...

I should have mentioned the only strokes allowed on the test are breast and side.

Ahh, OK, oh well, I'm partial to the breast stroke myself as long as I can choose my own partner... The side stroke is not bad. It's pretty comfortable. I always have trouble surface swimming because I tend to sink when I breathe out.

the breaststroke is all about the hips, using your abs to glide over and through the water... Like a more relaxed butterfly. It uses core strength more than brute upper body strength.

Sounds like you ought to pick a stroke and concentrate on becomming stronger and more polished at it. Looks like breast is the winner from your first post.

Youtube is your friend here and don't be ashamed to wear speedo's:D

I changed goggles three months ago and I hit the wall the first time I used them, It made me half a stroke faster!

If you think you are out of shape now wait until you are 65 and mow over a nest of African bees. I am in very good shape for my age but after the bees chased me for 300 yards I realized that I am not in near as good a shape as I thought I was.