That's how long it takes to come back after a layoff before you know what your fitness level is.
Earlier this week I was having a conversation with a buddy of mine, as I was just getting back in the water after a few months off. I mentioned how slow I was, and he said to me "no worries, 10 practices and you'll be fine"
I think he's right. Thinking back over the years, as I came back from a layoff or transitioned from one sport to a different one, It would take about 10 workouts before I was back.
Swimming in university the first week after a break sucked, and then all was good.
Cycling - in university (post swim - doing my masters) I just raced when I was at home for my co-op placement (which ran Jan-April). First 2 weeks (or about 10 rides) I'd have trouble keeping up on the group rides, then after that, all was good.
Masters Swim - first 10 practices after I returned to the pool after a 22 year hiatus, or a 3 week summer break I'd get leg cramps and be slower than what my pace should be. On my initial return to the pool I had cramp issues for the first 3 weeks or so, swimming 3x per week.
Now that's not to say that I was at peak fitness after just 10 practices, absolutely not. But that's roughly how long it takes to get the cobwebs dusted off and your brain "remembers" how to be efficient, reconnecting some of that old wiring.
So far its just anecdotes, (myself and my mate). Does this theory hold up, or am I full of it?
Swimming Workout of the Day:
Favourite Swim Sets:
2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly
Earlier this week I was having a conversation with a buddy of mine, as I was just getting back in the water after a few months off. I mentioned how slow I was, and he said to me "no worries, 10 practices and you'll be fine"
I think he's right. Thinking back over the years, as I came back from a layoff or transitioned from one sport to a different one, It would take about 10 workouts before I was back.
Swimming in university the first week after a break sucked, and then all was good.
Cycling - in university (post swim - doing my masters) I just raced when I was at home for my co-op placement (which ran Jan-April). First 2 weeks (or about 10 rides) I'd have trouble keeping up on the group rides, then after that, all was good.
Masters Swim - first 10 practices after I returned to the pool after a 22 year hiatus, or a 3 week summer break I'd get leg cramps and be slower than what my pace should be. On my initial return to the pool I had cramp issues for the first 3 weeks or so, swimming 3x per week.
Now that's not to say that I was at peak fitness after just 10 practices, absolutely not. But that's roughly how long it takes to get the cobwebs dusted off and your brain "remembers" how to be efficient, reconnecting some of that old wiring.
So far its just anecdotes, (myself and my mate). Does this theory hold up, or am I full of it?
Swimming Workout of the Day:
Favourite Swim Sets:
2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly