Help! I need swim inspiration

[KSH]

Bluetree, here is the information.

Workouts in a Binder: Swim Workouts for Triathletes
by Gale Bernhardt, Nick Hansen

From the Publisher
Triathletes who hope to improve their swimming too often mix and match workouts or workout segments with no particular goal. The workouts in this set provide a handy, compact, inspiring — and waterproof — program. Written by an elite-level triathlon and cycling coach, and a former U.S. National Team swimming coach, the book comprises seven workout categories: Anaerobic Endurance Speed, Anaerobic Endurance Form, Force Speed, Force Form, Muscular Endurance Speed, Muscular Endurance Form, and Muscular Endurance Distance. The variety of workouts included and their ease of use keep the process engaging and allow users to more easily achieve elusive swimming goals. Workouts in a Binder can easily be used in conjunction with triathlon training manuals such as Training Plans for Multisport Athletes or The Triathlete’s Training Bible, or as stand-alone workouts for swimmers. Illustrated throughout, a bound set of waterproof workout cards for triathletes at all levels is also included.

Trust me, if you have a planned workout, then the time goes by quicker.

Also, if you think you can makeup for "lost" time in the pool, why not focus on biking and running and hit the pool later?

I took about 3 months off of swimming 2006, because I didn't have tri's coming up and when I did have one scheduled, I knew I could swim a few times and still make the sprint distance no problem. If you can do that... when why not?

[Offthegrid]

Those workouts in a binder -- are there workouts that are under 2,000 meters? I should get something like that but realistically I'm not going to be able to do more than 1,500 meters because I'm so slow.

[KSH]

Those workouts in a binder -- are there workouts that are under 2,000 meters? I should get something like that but realistically I'm not going to be able to do more than 1,500 meters because I'm so slow.

Well, some of them are, but not many.

The best thing to do, is to trim them down yourself. I did this for my boyfriend.

For example, if it says swim 4x200, you just swim 1x200. Or whatever you like. It's pretty easy to trim them down on the fly at the pool. You know what you can and can't do.

The good thing, is that it will give you workouts to grow into.

[Bluetree]

Thanks K - the book's on it's way from Amazon!

[Wahine]

Thanks KSH, I think I'll order that one too. I love having preplanned swim workouts.

Wahine.

[KSH]

Dang! I wish I got some credit for helping to sell their book! HA!

I hope the book works out for both of you ladies.

[mcoleman]

There may be more than one masters program or practice in your area. I would talk with the coach and ask if there is another practice where you might feel more comfortable. I just learned to swim a three years ago and it took a year before I worked up the nerve to go to a masters workout (even though DH had been going for years). I am still in the slow lane, but I've gotten much better and I have learned a lot from swimming with better swimmers. All of that being said, there is another masters group in our area that is really good. From what I hear, their new coach is awesome, but I am scared to go to one of their practices. DH goes when he is doing IM training (it's a 50m pool vs our 25) and he is in one of the slower lanes.
We also try to find masters workouts when we travel and each one is different, so shop around.