My swimming has really improved over the last couple of months.
Being at 9,500 feet above sea level I couldn’t believe how pathetic I was when I got back into the pool. It wasn’t so much my arms or muscles but purely a lack of breath. I should be able to jump into a pool and swim 1,000m no problems but up here, I couldn’t swim 300m without having to stop from lack of breath.
It has been slow but I’m starting to get on top of it and I can swim 1,000m now without a breath. Still nothing compared to what I could do years ago and at sea level but it is nice to look back at the improvement I’ve made.
How many of you guys swim? Anyone swum at altitude? Would love to hear your thoughts.
7 Comments
Anonymous
so hot
PETE
HI DAVE ____ I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY , BLESSED WITH A STUNNING RIVER AND SWIM MOST LUNCH TIMES IN SUMMER (i am a farmer) . TO SWIM IS BOTH FOR BODY AND MIND.
THERE IS ONE SIMPLE RULE , NO NON DRINKERS & NO CLOTHS ALLOWED.
CHEERS PETE
SCguy84
I swim laps several times per week at a local gym. I love it. I feel so free, almost as if in flight. Of course, I swim in my speedo briefs. After I started lap swimming, anything other than briefs feels too excessive. I’m definitely in the minority at my gym, but who cares. I’m there to make myself happy.
mwalker
That’s awesome! I just moved to Frisco, CO about 3 months ago, and you are not kidding, the lack of oxygen up here is a killer. I just am now able to row for a continuous hour on Lake Dillon without stopping to catch my breath. I have not swam up here yet, but I imagine I will have to get back into the water this winter.
Dave Evans
I like your rules Pete!!!
MWalker, I hope you are looking forward to winter as much as I am mate.
Dave
mwalker
Hey Dave! Oh yes, I am looking forward to the winter too! I just hope we get some good snow… if not, i guess I’ll be swimming laps haha.
Rand
Very cool that you’re regaining your stamina at altitude!
I swim every day at an outdoor pool, but I’m close to sea level. I’m up to 50 laps (2.25 km) a day but not especially fast — average 1:10 per lap including a few pauses for breath. Cool rainy days are my favorite since I have the pool to myself then.
I’m swim naked if I could, but that’s not acceptable here in the States. I love the feel of water gliding past my skin; hate the soggy fabric feel.