It takes me too long to warm up :(.

BACKGROUND:

I am a mid 50s male who has been swimming with a Masters Group 2 to 3 times a week for now over a year. The swims are 1.5 hours in length and the total workout is between 2500 and 3000 metres in length (about 1000 m to 1200 m) for the warm up and 1500 m to 1800 m for the main set) . I am part of a slower lane but I am able to complete the workout distance in the 90 minutes.

The "Problem":

To get to the point, I take too long to become comfortable (warmed up) in the swim. "Comfortable" to me means at ease breathing. It is much more enjoyable for me at the 1500 metre mark than it was at say....500 m.

Do others find similarly? That is, it takes you at least the warm-up (an me more) to you find one's "sea legs" ;)?

[WFEGb]

Hello Copperbeech,

not sure if I've really got your point.

When swimming longer than 5-8min our bodies need to switch from anaerobic state into an aerobic state to go on for longer. (Same in byking or running, but there you can breathe a little more often and arhythmic and will not feel it as in swimming where your breathe has to be more integrated.) This switching often feels as some discomfort in breathing. You can get around or at least soften it, if you break your warm up into some smaller parts with a short rest intervall of 5-15sec (100m-300m pieces). Give it a try.

Best regards,
Werner

Originally Posted by WFEGb

Hello Copperbeech,

not sure if I've really got your point.

Werner,

I just find I 'huff and puff' until well into the final set and then all is good aerobically. I know I am over the hump when I am not scrambling to get that first breath coming off the wall on a flip turn.

[WFEGb]

Hello Copperbeech,

sorry, still not sure about your point...

How about changing open (with additional breather) and tumble turns with each other while warming up?

Best regards,
Werner

Originally Posted by WFEGb

Hello Copperbeech,

sorry, still not sure about your point...

Nothing earth shattering...just that I am a surprised at how 'easy' the swim feels when I am in the last 30 minutes of the 90 minute workout....the warm-up is a so much harder for me.....wondering if others experience similarly.

[CoachTeresa]

Copperbeach,

You are not alone!
To try and shorten the time for you to feel under control with your breath, I would suggest a focus on breath control for the next 6-12 sessions during your warm up.
How much air do I inhale?
How much air do I exhale?
Do I empty my air chamber? or keep some air in the tank?
Does the amount make a difference to my breath control?
Is my breath relaxed? Is it rushed?
Do I use my nose and mouth to inhale and exhale?
Does it make a difference if I start out breathing bilateral? or every 2 strokes?
Find out everything you can about your breath and with trial and error, you will find the best oxygen control strategies for swim.