Masters Swimmer

Question
Hi there!

I turn to you for advise as I'm a bit desperate =(. I'll try to make it as short as possible. Basically I've been swimming and competing my whole life, back whe ni was younger (16-19) I was training twice a day, and competing, etc. I was eating normally and lost some weight but I was getting really good very fast.  I stopped for 8 yrs and I recently came back as Masters...My problem is that I've been doing weight training as well. I've been in Masters for a yr now, and recently recovered from Exhaustion. I've changed my diet to a healthier one, and lowered the intensity and frequency of my weight training. I'm feeling slower now in the pool and heavy. I'm concerned because I really want to get faster and I don't know if maybe I'm eating too little? I don't want to eat a whole lot because I'm also trying to lose weight but I'm stuck right now and basically my motivation is gone, as it's been motnhs that I just feel like I'm not moving forward at all. The season is just starting and I want to get to Provincials and Nationals as strong as I can be at that point. I eat a lot of veggies throughout the day, and for dinner I have my protein and carbs. I've recently added a bit of carbs and protein throughout the day, but I dont know why I'm not improving.

Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hello Andriana

It would seem to me that you've hit that wall we experience every so often. I don't really think diet should be the main source of your problems. However, if it is because you are constantly (perhaps) starving yourself to lose some weight, that may cause you a shortage of energy. Your diet seems pretty concrete and it works pretty well. You also mentioned you did a lot of weight training. From personal experience, I would say not to really dominate too much in the weight training. Although it will increase your muscle capacity and strength, a lot of the downside includes that extra weight you are talking about (Muscle weighs more than fat) and as a result, you may become less dense, making it harder (or balance out) the amount of force you have to exert to keep you afloat. Just make sure you are spending the time, not only increasing your physical status, but your mentality as well. Mentality is key to winning races and it's what drives swimmers to get faster. Also, technique training may also help you to get faster.

Most importantly, make sure you are getting the rest you need everyday. Get plenty of rest, and try not to overwork yourself too much (it may stunt growth of muscles). Since it's been 8 years since you've stopped swimming, it will take some time to reach your previous status and your prime. Don't lose faith, you will eventually improve if you keep at what you are doing.