Well I did manage a couple of club sessions but found the pace a little difficult as well as ally of pain swimming backstroke. However I have been swimming public lanes 3-4 times a week with a short 4 day break over Christmas. Sessions have been 1800-2200 this week. Shoulder Ok if I keep to shorter distances and alternate kick/pull drills. Backstroke difficult with similar pain as pre op but more flexible. Strangely I can swim fly quite well.
Weight still increasing but a new, New Year diet, back to regular working and increased swimming should get me a head start in Jan.
Have entered my first open meet at the K2 end of Jan (SE Masters LC). 400 and 200 free, 100 breast and 50 fly over two days. Hotel booked, Mrs T coming for support (I think) and maybe some shopping. Have never done this meet but need to get Long Course events in readiness for the not as early as planned Nationals in May. Will also be swimming the Welsh Nationals (Masters) in March.
I need to rethink my plans for 2012 or they will be very similar to my failed targets for 2011. I could almost cut and paste them this time last year but I am ahead of the game regards training this year.
I am not confident that I will be swimming backstroke this year or any year competitively again. My other concern is that sprinting causes more problems than longer freestyle events. The problem with that is that at least I was semi competitive with sprints, I won't be swimming 400 and 200 free even with PB's.
I must go away and plan some cleverly worded targets which look new and different from 2011 but will still target weight, fitness and speed.
Thursday 29 December 2011
Saturday 10 December 2011
Five days out of the pool.
Very bored except for the two days work I managed this week. My plan is to rest the shoulder so any inflammation is reduced. I had planned for two weeks but I am planning to go for a club session tomorrow evening at Gloucester. The shoulder does feel a lot better but only when I swim do I get a real 'feel' for any improvement. I will try and tag along at the back of the lane.
I managed two days work this week. One 8 hr and one 12 hr shift. The shoulder was OK but my knee and back were painful with being on my feet for this amount of time. Totally knocked Thurs evening and went to bed at 2130 and slept well. Aches and pains mow gone (sat) so have booked 2 x 12 hrs shifts next week. (Mon and Friday). Mrs T will be pleased I can pay my share of the bills after two months of no income. I also need to get some Open swims entered for next year so should be able to pay my way
The last couple of lazy weeks have done nothing for my weight but at least I haven't piled two much on. I still need to lose T least 15 lbs before next summer as a minimum . I am convinced my heavier weight this year has not helped my quest to swim faster. I know masters swimmers tend to get slower with age but I feel I haven't Been close to fitness or a good weight so should be able to beat my times from the last three tears. Time will tell.
I managed two days work this week. One 8 hr and one 12 hr shift. The shoulder was OK but my knee and back were painful with being on my feet for this amount of time. Totally knocked Thurs evening and went to bed at 2130 and slept well. Aches and pains mow gone (sat) so have booked 2 x 12 hrs shifts next week. (Mon and Friday). Mrs T will be pleased I can pay my share of the bills after two months of no income. I also need to get some Open swims entered for next year so should be able to pay my way
The last couple of lazy weeks have done nothing for my weight but at least I haven't piled two much on. I still need to lose T least 15 lbs before next summer as a minimum . I am convinced my heavier weight this year has not helped my quest to swim faster. I know masters swimmers tend to get slower with age but I feel I haven't Been close to fitness or a good weight so should be able to beat my times from the last three tears. Time will tell.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Shoulder recovery in Slow Down.
Well it's now into December and the shoulder recovery has joined the rest of the country in the slow down. I can still swim all strokes even if the back stroke is a little adjusted but the soreness and pain are still present and on some days worse. I have decided to rest for a couple of weeks ( from the pool) to see if I have any improvement.
It's a pity as I had planned to try a masters session at Gloucester this week. Ah well perhaps I will pop across before Christmas just to say hello!
Mean while I managed to get a days work yesterday, I am now totally f@@&ed. Very physical 8 hours of lifting and running up and down two flights of steps. At first I told myself it was just a good physical workout but after 3-4 hours decided to slow down a bit otherwise I would not have finished the shift.
I asked Mrs T not to book me any more until I am fully recovered. Perhaps Friday ? It 's a pity they let me do a few 4 hour shifts to get me back up to scratch. I had started to try and plan my meets for next year but I think I may have to start again . I would still like to swim at Guildford at end of Jan so will need to get my entry in soon.
I must try and stay out of the pool, it's difficult cause I get bored so easily.
It's a pity as I had planned to try a masters session at Gloucester this week. Ah well perhaps I will pop across before Christmas just to say hello!
Mean while I managed to get a days work yesterday, I am now totally f@@&ed. Very physical 8 hours of lifting and running up and down two flights of steps. At first I told myself it was just a good physical workout but after 3-4 hours decided to slow down a bit otherwise I would not have finished the shift.
I asked Mrs T not to book me any more until I am fully recovered. Perhaps Friday ? It 's a pity they let me do a few 4 hour shifts to get me back up to scratch. I had started to try and plan my meets for next year but I think I may have to start again . I would still like to swim at Guildford at end of Jan so will need to get my entry in soon.
I must try and stay out of the pool, it's difficult cause I get bored so easily.
Saturday 26 November 2011
First 'Proper' training session. Weight update.
Well after a couple of weeks swimming 4-5 days a week but not actually training I managed to get a reasonable session in yesterday. Up until now I have been swimming between 1000 and 1400 metres at each session. These metres have been steady swims with a few drills and more kick than I would normally do.
Yesterday I started with a 1800 m plan and finished with a modest 2100M session.
10 x 100 on 2 mins
8x50 alt kick/pull
4x100 IM on 2.30
2x50 Fast ( the first fast swims I have done. Hopefully no damage to shoulder)
200 swim down
My plan is to get back to a Gloucester session in a week or so once I return from a weeks family visiting taking in Sunderland, Boston and Dover.
I have also managed not to have put any more weight on for the last 6 weeks. Ok I have been trying to lose it but with the surgery and being less active am quite pleased. Hopefully I can start seeing losses as I increase the swimming activity. The down side of the last week or so is that I have not been to spinning or Pilates for a week or so. Must get to the gym as soon as I get back from the visits.
Finally I have been looking at swim plan for 2012. Possible first event SE masters at Guildford end Jan ???
Yesterday I started with a 1800 m plan and finished with a modest 2100M session.
10 x 100 on 2 mins
8x50 alt kick/pull
4x100 IM on 2.30
2x50 Fast ( the first fast swims I have done. Hopefully no damage to shoulder)
200 swim down
My plan is to get back to a Gloucester session in a week or so once I return from a weeks family visiting taking in Sunderland, Boston and Dover.
I have also managed not to have put any more weight on for the last 6 weeks. Ok I have been trying to lose it but with the surgery and being less active am quite pleased. Hopefully I can start seeing losses as I increase the swimming activity. The down side of the last week or so is that I have not been to spinning or Pilates for a week or so. Must get to the gym as soon as I get back from the visits.
Finally I have been looking at swim plan for 2012. Possible first event SE masters at Guildford end Jan ???
Friday 18 November 2011
Visit of Daughter and Grand Daughter takes Priority over Swimming
Over a week since my last blog and generally I think recovery has been going well with one reservation and some excuses.
My Daughter and Grandaughter came to visit for four days this week. I was told by the other women in my life (Mrs Tewson) that I really couldn't go off swimming while they were here. I did manage one day by taking Chloe Grace (GD) swimming in the learners pool. There came a time when Chloe wanted Mum and I slipped of to the main pool for a quick 500 M before getting changed. Also missed the Sinning ( I mean spinning )and Pilates but will resume on Monday.
I still managed nearly 4000 M this week though but the soreness in the shoulder is hanging around a lot more than I thought it would. I guess I was fooled by the relative lack of pain during my first couple of swims. I thought the recovery would be much quicker than last year.
I have been told that there is nothing I can damage by swimming but should take guidance from any pain. The pain is from the physical operation and comes from muscle,bone and nerve damage. I am managing free style pretty well although not sprinting as this does hurt.
After managing 4x50 back dispersed between free last week I have been finding backstroke quite painful but better than Pre op. Today I also managed a couple of 25's fly. By not over reaching just about pain free.
I guess the post operative pain will be there for at least another 4 weeks. I had planned to swim with Gloucester Masters at the start of December but this may need to be changed to Jan 2012.
Onwards and Upwards.
My Daughter and Grandaughter came to visit for four days this week. I was told by the other women in my life (Mrs Tewson) that I really couldn't go off swimming while they were here. I did manage one day by taking Chloe Grace (GD) swimming in the learners pool. There came a time when Chloe wanted Mum and I slipped of to the main pool for a quick 500 M before getting changed. Also missed the Sinning ( I mean spinning )and Pilates but will resume on Monday.
I still managed nearly 4000 M this week though but the soreness in the shoulder is hanging around a lot more than I thought it would. I guess I was fooled by the relative lack of pain during my first couple of swims. I thought the recovery would be much quicker than last year.
I have been told that there is nothing I can damage by swimming but should take guidance from any pain. The pain is from the physical operation and comes from muscle,bone and nerve damage. I am managing free style pretty well although not sprinting as this does hurt.
After managing 4x50 back dispersed between free last week I have been finding backstroke quite painful but better than Pre op. Today I also managed a couple of 25's fly. By not over reaching just about pain free.
I guess the post operative pain will be there for at least another 4 weeks. I had planned to swim with Gloucester Masters at the start of December but this may need to be changed to Jan 2012.
Onwards and Upwards.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Swimming and Spinning. Pilates next week.
Had a good swim on Tuesday mostly gentle free style and a set of 50,s kick. I could not resist to try some back stroke and did about 200 m dispersed around the free. Wish I hadn't I think my sore neck is down to the backstroke. I did get some soreness in my shoulder but this has gone 36 hrs later so will be only swimming gently 2-3 times a week for now. Planning to get back to club sessions in December. Not being able to swim hard and often just yet has ensured I finally make a move towards some land training. I have signed up to Spinning and Pilates with my local sports centre provider. The costs are already covered by my swimming and gym membership so no extra payments.
My first Spinning session yesterday, hard work even with some skiving as I was not sure how much work I could do. Should be able to judge the next session better. Good fun and I hope will help with core strength and fitness. My Pilates is booked for next Monday, this has been recommended by fellow masters swimmers to help flexibility and core fitness. I have no idea what to expect.
So the plan is one spinning session and one Pilates session a week to support my 3-4 swims a week. I am hoping that limiting my swimming and doing cross training will reduce the chance of further joint issues. I also want to improve my leg strength and core fitness without trying to swim silly distances.
Onwards and upwards if I'm not careful I won't have any excuses next year.
My first Spinning session yesterday, hard work even with some skiving as I was not sure how much work I could do. Should be able to judge the next session better. Good fun and I hope will help with core strength and fitness. My Pilates is booked for next Monday, this has been recommended by fellow masters swimmers to help flexibility and core fitness. I have no idea what to expect.
So the plan is one spinning session and one Pilates session a week to support my 3-4 swims a week. I am hoping that limiting my swimming and doing cross training will reduce the chance of further joint issues. I also want to improve my leg strength and core fitness without trying to swim silly distances.
Onwards and upwards if I'm not careful I won't have any excuses next year.
Monday 7 November 2011
How wrong can I be? Good news.
Well I said no further damage to the bicep tendon, almost right but not quite. I also said not new damage to the the rotator cuff , WRONG again.
Follow up appointment to the latest key hole surgery today. For a change saw me on time and the NHS system working like clockwork.
The wound is healing well with the stitches almost all gone. I really felt that the consultant had done very little and I guess compared to last year he hadn't.
He says the anchors and stitching of the bicep tendon carried out last year was looking good but some inflammation on the tendon where it rides over the top of the shoulder. He has trimmed this to allow the tendon to slide freely without causing further inflammation.
In addition to this he found that the rotator cuff tendon which runs between two bones was being squeezed on the underside of the shoulder. He has 'shaved' some bone off to allow the rotator cuff tendon to move unimpeded.
The summary was that the shoulder should be OK or at least better than it was with less or no pain. I have a follow up in 3 months when more could be done to improve if it is not OK. He also warned that further surgery may not help. All positive and the best news is I don't need to be out of the water for 4 months, in fact I can swim tomorrow, although I may still have some post surgery pain for a few weeks.
Looking forward to a gentle swim tomorrow although may not attemp fly or back just yet.
Looking forward to a winter of training so I can swim faster next year, fingers crossed.
Follow up appointment to the latest key hole surgery today. For a change saw me on time and the NHS system working like clockwork.
The wound is healing well with the stitches almost all gone. I really felt that the consultant had done very little and I guess compared to last year he hadn't.
He says the anchors and stitching of the bicep tendon carried out last year was looking good but some inflammation on the tendon where it rides over the top of the shoulder. He has trimmed this to allow the tendon to slide freely without causing further inflammation.
In addition to this he found that the rotator cuff tendon which runs between two bones was being squeezed on the underside of the shoulder. He has 'shaved' some bone off to allow the rotator cuff tendon to move unimpeded.
The summary was that the shoulder should be OK or at least better than it was with less or no pain. I have a follow up in 3 months when more could be done to improve if it is not OK. He also warned that further surgery may not help. All positive and the best news is I don't need to be out of the water for 4 months, in fact I can swim tomorrow, although I may still have some post surgery pain for a few weeks.
Looking forward to a gentle swim tomorrow although may not attemp fly or back just yet.
Looking forward to a winter of training so I can swim faster next year, fingers crossed.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Count down to Nationals, Training well in-between medical appointments.
Slipped back to my occasional posting. I am sure not many have missed my moans and groans but I apologise anyway. Nine days to the Nationals at Sheffield, looking forward to the event if not my entered swims. In addition 12 days to the shoulder operation which I am also looking forward to as it will be the first step towards being able to train and swim as I would like. (hopefully on all four strokes). In the last week I have attended yet another Pre-op as it was over 12 weeks since the original.(16 by my count). Also had another blood sampling session , flu jab and annual heart check ups. As I get older I seem to be spending more and more time with medical issues. Getting older is a bitch.
No more work planned until the shoulder is healed next year so will be living on savings for a few months.Can't expect Mrs Tewson to support me any more than she does already. (Without much moaning I should add).
So the last couple of weeks been training 4-5 sessions per week (1 hr sessions) 10-12K.
Getting to Gloucester as much as possible (3 sessions per week) the balance in public lanes at Leominster. I shall not be swimming at all until Jan after the op and then kicking and one arm only. So in 8 months this year I will only have managed around 300,000 metres.
I will post the results from Sheffield provided I find some free wi-fi at the hotel or pool, if not I will update after the surgery on Tuesday.
Look forward to seeing everyone at Sheffield.
No more work planned until the shoulder is healed next year so will be living on savings for a few months.Can't expect Mrs Tewson to support me any more than she does already. (Without much moaning I should add).
So the last couple of weeks been training 4-5 sessions per week (1 hr sessions) 10-12K.
Getting to Gloucester as much as possible (3 sessions per week) the balance in public lanes at Leominster. I shall not be swimming at all until Jan after the op and then kicking and one arm only. So in 8 months this year I will only have managed around 300,000 metres.
I will post the results from Sheffield provided I find some free wi-fi at the hotel or pool, if not I will update after the surgery on Tuesday.
Look forward to seeing everyone at Sheffield.
Monday 26 September 2011
South West sprint meet.
Well the first swim meet for some time on Sunday. Unfortunatley my birthday was Saturday with a birthday dinner prepared by Mrs Tewson which included too much wine. My birthday present is being used to blog this latest post. (i pad 2). I had entered a 50 back but shoulder has been pretty painful in the last couple of weeks so after trying 15 metres with posts of pain I decided to stick to free style as I am at Sheffield.
Not swam a 50 free since the Gloucester meet in April which was the first meet back from my first shoulder surgery. So not much to beat for a seasons best which I did by 0.8 sec. The problem is I need to reduce the time by another 0.6/0.7 to medal at Sheffield. Just the 5 weeks to get some speed from somewhere. Most of my club colleagues were swimming 4-5 events but my excuse is not being able to swim more than one stroke. Nothing to do with lack of fitness and speed or the 18 lbs I have now put on. The 100 free was bad. I felt tired after 40 metres and finished a second slower than my long course. 100 in June!
I am quite embarrassed that my targets of getting faster (not), Getting Fitter (not) and losing weight (not close) are so much of a failure. I will be training hard (shoulder permitting) to give myself the best chance at Sheffield in 5 weeks. I need to reapply my diet ASAP and plan to keep losing weight during my anticipated 3 month non swimming recovery. I would like to be about to swim at Plymouth in March but this could be a bit quick. If my early recovery last year contributed to the relapse I do not want to repeat the experience. If it takes 6 months to get fit and injury free so be it.
This is Tewson trying to be up beat under a cloud of poor achievement, I am certainly not depressed. Very happy with the i pad.
Not swam a 50 free since the Gloucester meet in April which was the first meet back from my first shoulder surgery. So not much to beat for a seasons best which I did by 0.8 sec. The problem is I need to reduce the time by another 0.6/0.7 to medal at Sheffield. Just the 5 weeks to get some speed from somewhere. Most of my club colleagues were swimming 4-5 events but my excuse is not being able to swim more than one stroke. Nothing to do with lack of fitness and speed or the 18 lbs I have now put on. The 100 free was bad. I felt tired after 40 metres and finished a second slower than my long course. 100 in June!
I am quite embarrassed that my targets of getting faster (not), Getting Fitter (not) and losing weight (not close) are so much of a failure. I will be training hard (shoulder permitting) to give myself the best chance at Sheffield in 5 weeks. I need to reapply my diet ASAP and plan to keep losing weight during my anticipated 3 month non swimming recovery. I would like to be about to swim at Plymouth in March but this could be a bit quick. If my early recovery last year contributed to the relapse I do not want to repeat the experience. If it takes 6 months to get fit and injury free so be it.
This is Tewson trying to be up beat under a cloud of poor achievement, I am certainly not depressed. Very happy with the i pad.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Nationals Entry, A waste of money????
Trying to write posts which remain semi interesting is a challenge. I have finally realised that my quest to lose weight, get fitter and swim faster is pretty boring to the average person. I have come to understand that my life revolves around my diet and training. Unfortunatly during the last few months the diet has been suspended and the training up and down. I am swimming at a meet this weekend. The results should be interesting as I have not swam any races recently. It should tell me if my entry into the nationals at Sheffield next month is a waste of the entry fees.
Because of the shoulder issue, presently very very sore, I have only entered freestyle events.50,100 and 200 M. I guess I may need to swim a couple of relays as well.
I am inpatient waiting for my surgery date in November. At my age I should not be wishing time away but I need to train and swim all strokes to reach my targets.
Because of the shoulder issue, presently very very sore, I have only entered freestyle events.50,100 and 200 M. I guess I may need to swim a couple of relays as well.
I am inpatient waiting for my surgery date in November. At my age I should not be wishing time away but I need to train and swim all strokes to reach my targets.
Wednesday 7 September 2011
NHS What a service ! Happy training times! Upcoming competitions!
I Know, not posted for a couple of weeks but it's only so I don;t bore you all to death. I have been expecting a date for my shoulder surgery to be confirmed for end of August or early Sept. I had heard nothing so a week or so ago I rang the consultants appointments secretary. She said that the time scales were a little behind (As I had guessed). Sept dates had been issued so my date would be 2-3rd week of Sept. Now as you Masters Swimmers know the asa Nationals (Short Course) are at the end of October so... I asked if by asking for a later date whether it would affect my position on the list. She says. No problem if you want November I can give you a date now. Well Nov 8th it is. Now that's what I call service. Of course I would have been happier to have had the surgery in June and not have to wait at all but hey this is the NHS and I am a happy bunny. The new surgery on the same shoulder as 53 weeks before the 8th Nov. Lets hope it is at least 90% this time and I have a winter of full training on all strokes.
mean while training seems good and averaging 8-12K per week. Feeling not bad at all although for obvious reasons still swimming Front Crawl only. I have entered the Gloucester masters this weekend and the Western Counties at the end of the month. Hopefully these will tell me if I have any chance of a medal at Sheffield in October.
I'm really bored with training and competing on one stroke only, but hopefully this will change in the new year. Back in the water in Feb 2012 !!!!!!
mean while training seems good and averaging 8-12K per week. Feeling not bad at all although for obvious reasons still swimming Front Crawl only. I have entered the Gloucester masters this weekend and the Western Counties at the end of the month. Hopefully these will tell me if I have any chance of a medal at Sheffield in October.
I'm really bored with training and competing on one stroke only, but hopefully this will change in the new year. Back in the water in Feb 2012 !!!!!!
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Six days swimming, Still no surgery news.
Managed to swim 6 out of the last 7 days. Four club sessions and a couple in public lanes at Leominster. Only swimming front crawl still. Feeling not at all bad. Managed about 40K in the last 3 weeks which for me is pretty much my busiest swimming period as a Master. I have this theory that the fitter I am prior to surgery the quicker I will recover . Still no date yet, I may have to call the consultant's secretary at this rate to push things along a bit. I have the entry forms for the Gloucester County Masters in Sept. Closing date is the 4th so will be sending it off if I hear nothing. Someone said I would be swimming at Sheffield at this rate. I really hope not cause I was planning to be back in the pool post surgery by then !!!!
Mrs Tewson managed to get the scales working this week.? The results were no surprise to me. I have had a really bad diet period and not weighing regularly has not helped. From my low this year of 16.03 I have managed to creep (OK shoot) back up to 17.02. So back to the grind stone to get it all off again. My problem was that I kept thinking it does not matter as I am just ticking over until the surgery. Of course my state of mind is just an excuse to pig out for a month or so and the result is almost a stone of fat added to my body. Will I ever learn ?
Just returned from a short interlude, had to collect my car and pop to Post office and doctors.. Bloody garage decided to close early ! Car ready but on the street locked up so cant get to it. No spare key and two taxi rides to and from. can't work tomorrow now cause the bloody place is not open until 0800 and I should be working 0660-1400. I cant get to Gloucester tonight NO BLOODY CAR so no training. And another taxi in the morning to pick the thing up. I AM NOT A HAPPY BEAR.
I am going to eat now to cheer my self up. !!!!!!!!!
Tuesday 16 August 2011
A week away ! Training at Sunderland. (And a wedding)
After the previous excellent training week I was always going to struggle to match it. Swam at Gloucester masters on Sunday followed by a public lane session at Leominster on Monday. Then off to Sunderland for family wedding and normal house to house family visits. Managed to swim at the aquatic centre for the next 3 days. The more I use this great pool the more I like it. I am always amazed that whatever time I choose to swim there it is always quiet. I guess 70% of my lane swimming I had a lane to myself. Wednesday was 50 M lane swimming .(10 lanes between 3.30 and 8pm. ) Width lane swimming other days with up to 12 lanes available .
This trip we were a mile or so from the pool so I could pick and choose when to swim.. Fun (swimming) had to stop after Thurs as I had wedding taxi service to do collecting people and taking family to shops ect. Oh well still nearly 12000M for the week and also made the yearly total up to and over 200,000 M
The wedding went well and I managed my monthly alcohol allowance in one evening at the reception/party.
Now back to the normal routine, swam at Leominster yesterday and back to Masters session tonight.
Still no date for my shoulder surgery, I may as well enter another Masters Meet for early Sept. Not using ibuprofen for training now. OK if I only swim f/s so any competition will also be f/s only.
Saturday 6 August 2011
Trained in 4 pools. Record weekly total and a couple of days in Dover.
Well I managed 6 days training out of 7 this week only missing Tuesday when I drove to Dover to visit my Son , Matt. A total of 14550 metres so I am more than happy. Also managed these with either no ibuprofen or just a couple. Mind you I am only swimming Freestyle apart from a little one arm back/fly drills or back kicking. While in Dover I joined some nice female triathletes in a couple of sets which kept me on my toes and stopped me falling into plod mode after a day on the beach. I did consider joining the open water swimmers who were swimming in the harbour each day but the sunshine kept me firmly on my towel lazing in the sun. Because of the travelling I started the week with a club session at Gloucester followed by a public lane swim at Leominster. Two more sessions at Dover pool followed by a return session in Leominster and finished off with an outdoor 50m lido session with the club at Cheltenham today.
I will be at Gloucester tomorrow and Leominster on Monday before popping off to Sunderland for the week. (Family wedding next Saturday) Sunderland Aqua Centre here we come. Normally quiet lane swimming in the mornings and we have a Hotel only a mile or so away.
Monday 1 August 2011
Positive Thoughts. Two days training. Should I just swim Freestyle?
Have now swum three days running and as my records of training run from Sunday to Saturday I have already managed 5450Mtrs over 2 sessions this week. Didn't really enjoy the session at Gloucester on Sunday, not sure why but found it hard to work as hard as I should. Today however swimming in an adult public lane I worked my balls off for 75 mins and I felt really positive..
I don't do many solo training sessions these days as I try to attend Gloucester Club sessions as often as possible. Today I felt positive and managed to work hard for the whole session. It helped that there were only 3 of us for the first 20 minutes and two after that so I wasn't held up much. All free style as I still can't do fly or back without upsetting my shoulder. The good thing is the shoulder seems to be OK after freestyle sessions. I am almost tempted to scrap the new surgery and just swim free in competitions! Trouble is I just won't feel like a complete swimmer if I can't swim medley and 100 fly. I still think I could maybe swim a 200 fly one day if I can just get fitter. Oh well no date yet so at this rate I might even be swimming at Sheffield. The news is full of stories saying the NHS are not rushing ops for older people so they may die before the need is there. ?????? This must be a record two blogs in two days. Hope I don't bore you all to death. Off to Dover tomorrow to see Matt (My son) perhaps a swim in the harbour ? Or may just stay with lane sessions at Dover Pool.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Camping Weekend. Best training week since May. No scales.
Spent two nights camping in the English Country side to enable me to drink at Gloucester Masters annual bike ride and Bar B Q. The original plan was to spend a long weekend camping with Mrs Tewson and at the same tome attend a Swim Club social event. I do tend to miss these events, a drawback of living over 30 miles from my club. Made a decision not to attend the bike ride which I wish I had once there. Mrs Tewson didn't make it as her shifts changed (her excuse). So apart from popping to Cheltenham on Sat to attend our outdoor lido session I had a lazy beer affected weekend. The good news is I have no scales to keep a check on my weight at the moment. (They gave up the ghost last week). I am sure I am holding my own but I am away again in a week or so and I need to careful.
Had a good training week over four sessions this week. Compared to most masters swimmers my vol has been quite low. Last week was 10,600 Metres. Best weekly total since May? when I achieved a 14,000Metre total. I started swimming again (after surgery induced 4 month lay off) in Feb and have only managed a total of 179,800Mtres (25 weeks) I really should be up around 250K which equates to 10K/week. Still using pain killers but less of them. Can only swim Free style or breaststroke. Too much pain for Fly or Back.
So in summary life and training quite good but will need to start all over again after anticipated repeat surgery hopefully in August but no date yet. I was told I should have two weeks notice so should hear soon. Recovery could be anything between two and six months depending on what they find and/or do. I am guessing end of competition for 2011 but hopefully a winter of training ready for a better 2012. Sorry if this is all repeated dialog but I am frustrated at not being able to plan anything going forward. Back to Gloucester this evening for Sunday's training. I keep telling myself that the fitter I am prior to surgery the quicker I should recover. ??
Saturday 23 July 2011
I am a bloody poor blogger. Three weeks of silence. 10 Decathlon Events !!
Well not much positive tales to blog I'm afraid. Three weeks training achieving Week 1. Nil Mtrs. Week 2 4800 Mtrs and week 3. 5500 Mtrs. In total not enough for a decent week of activity. I had a weeks holiday when I took my swim gear but never found any time to get to a pool. Two more weeks with excuses for not getting to the local pool not really bearing repeating here. The coming week looks promising for a renewed effort to get back on target. My diet has managed to stop the rot and I have not increased any more. No loss either but not surprised based on the amount of meals out and some great home cooking (For home cooking read high calorie great tasting food).
Any swimming I have done has been with the aid of ibuprofen. The shoulder is getting worse in term of pain if not in terms of mobility. Even managed to swim 50 Mtrs of backstroke one day (See competition report). No news from the NHS re a date for the next exploratory surgery so I am assuming it will be at the end of August. Should hear in the next 2-3 weeks.
Two events swam recently. In fact approx 3000 Mtrs of my training total was warm ups, swim downs and events at these meets. The first was the Wenlock Olympian meet at Much Wenlock. We needed to swim a sprint distance (25, 50 or 100M) for each stroke as well as a 100M medley to score points to win our age group. I managed to swim 25 M back as well as the back leg of the medley. (Not been able to do one stroke since.). In a poorly attended meet did quite well even managing a seasons best for the 100 IM.
Last weekend attended the Barnet Distance meet !! Yes you read correctly. I know I am not known for swimming anything above 50M at least not well ! but I needed a distance event to complete my ten decathlon events this year so did my annual 400m 16 seconds faster than last year but still two slow to publish here or anywhere else.. I also managed my first 100 Fly for the year and a 100 Free slowly to finish off the day.
Really liked the pool at Barnet, nice and cold. Hard to tell if it was fast based on how and what I swam.
Nothing else entered as I waiting for surgery dates. Plan to swim the Gloucester Counties Masters and Western Counties Masters Sprints in Sept if the surgery proves to be later than August. Really hoping for it to be on schedule so I can train from November onwards for next year. World Masters in Italy next June is a nice comeback target.
Hopefully will blog more regularly if we can all stand it.
Monday 27 June 2011
Trying to increase Training and bloody poor weight management.
Well I have managed 0nly 3 training sessions in the 10 days since Leeds ! My shoulder has been OK ish, in that it is not getting worse and does not give any reaction after training. Still taking Ibuprofen to ensure I don't have a wasted journey and involved costs in getting to Gloucester, I have however reduced the amount I am taking which keeps the medical types at the club happy. My target is to train at least 3 times a week to keep me ticking over prior to the operation. Mean while I have also entered the Wenlock Olympian Masters Meet which appeared on our club web site last week . A number of us are planning a fun sprint day there. I am also travelling to Barnet for the distance meet so I can swim a 400 fs (slowly I would think) and the 100 fly. This will give me my 10 decathlon swims for the year for the first time.
Weight, well I could easily be accused of only posting good news when my diet is involved. Well in the lead to the nationals (and during ) and since, I have let the diet fall into the never reaches of my mind. All in all over a month I have let the weight drift from 16.3 to 16 11. Yep about 8 lbs over 4 weeks. So bloody easy to put on and will take at least 4-5 weeks just to get back to where I was. It reminds me that after my op I will be inactive for 4 weeks and out of the pool for 12 weeks at least. I really must sort my cravings out soon.. My main problems being Bread and associated butter (in weak periods while food shopping). The best time for me to diet is food shopping. If I don't buy the fatty stuff I can't eat it at all times of the day and night.
On bad days it is not just butter of course. I will buy and eat biscuits, chocolate, cakes the list goes on. OK you will say everyone eats these items. BUT. I can't eat two or three biscuits I eat the packet! Same applies to other fatty foods and I havn't mentioned ice cream.
Oh well onwards and upwards I must remember I have still lost almost 30 lbs this year and I will ensure I don't screw up going forwards.
Weight, well I could easily be accused of only posting good news when my diet is involved. Well in the lead to the nationals (and during ) and since, I have let the diet fall into the never reaches of my mind. All in all over a month I have let the weight drift from 16.3 to 16 11. Yep about 8 lbs over 4 weeks. So bloody easy to put on and will take at least 4-5 weeks just to get back to where I was. It reminds me that after my op I will be inactive for 4 weeks and out of the pool for 12 weeks at least. I really must sort my cravings out soon.. My main problems being Bread and associated butter (in weak periods while food shopping). The best time for me to diet is food shopping. If I don't buy the fatty stuff I can't eat it at all times of the day and night.
On bad days it is not just butter of course. I will buy and eat biscuits, chocolate, cakes the list goes on. OK you will say everyone eats these items. BUT. I can't eat two or three biscuits I eat the packet! Same applies to other fatty foods and I havn't mentioned ice cream.
Oh well onwards and upwards I must remember I have still lost almost 30 lbs this year and I will ensure I don't screw up going forwards.
Sunday 19 June 2011
Beware the injured golfer ! Three days in Leeds.
Beware the injured Golfer, a term used at golf clubs around the country, especially applied to players who get their excuses in early. I guess it can be applied to all sports and certainly swimming. I really was not confident about any sort of performance at the recent British Masters Championships due to lack of training consistently since Nov last year and the reappearance of shoulder problems despite the surgery at that time.
I was getting by taking far too many ibuprofen for training and I planned (and did) do the same for the competition.
I don't believe I was taking too many chances and if the shoulder had really reacted and was too painful I would have stopped. I told my team buddies that I would swim the relay in which we were hopefully going for records and after that my individual events if the shoulder was OK.
The good news (and best) was a world record in the 4 x 100 free (200 -239 years). I managed to swim a seasons best by 3 seconds to help the fast boys take 5 seconds or so from the existing record (subject to rratification of course). The shoulder was OK ish but a little sore so on I went.
Over all in my events I swam seasons bests in all events (Total surprise) if not any PB's. I even managed a silver in the 50 free so the weekend was a personal success and the Gloucester team even more so with another relay European record and lots of medals of various colours.
So now I am waiting for the surgery date to identify exactly the issues with the shoulder. Hopefully sooner rather than later so I can get 12 months unhindered training completed and perhaps swim to some sort of potential and surprise every on next year. I shall try and train without pain killers this week and swap to land training if swimming is not possible.
I was getting by taking far too many ibuprofen for training and I planned (and did) do the same for the competition.
I don't believe I was taking too many chances and if the shoulder had really reacted and was too painful I would have stopped. I told my team buddies that I would swim the relay in which we were hopefully going for records and after that my individual events if the shoulder was OK.
The good news (and best) was a world record in the 4 x 100 free (200 -239 years). I managed to swim a seasons best by 3 seconds to help the fast boys take 5 seconds or so from the existing record (subject to rratification of course). The shoulder was OK ish but a little sore so on I went.
Over all in my events I swam seasons bests in all events (Total surprise) if not any PB's. I even managed a silver in the 50 free so the weekend was a personal success and the Gloucester team even more so with another relay European record and lots of medals of various colours.
So now I am waiting for the surgery date to identify exactly the issues with the shoulder. Hopefully sooner rather than later so I can get 12 months unhindered training completed and perhaps swim to some sort of potential and surprise every on next year. I shall try and train without pain killers this week and swap to land training if swimming is not possible.
Sunday 12 June 2011
Pain Killers working well, Looking forward to Leeds.
Well nothing it seems is as bad as it sometimes appears. The shoulder is however worse than last year prior to surgery. I tried Ibuprofen prior to a training session 10 days ago and it worked well. I have managed to get through 4-5 sessions since with no ill effects or making the shoulder worse. So after 3 weeks and swimming a total of 6-7000 Mts I have managed closer to 10K in the last week. I have changed my stroke length slightly which helps so am sort of ready to swim at Leeds.
This is the first year that I have been fit (sort of) to swim at the LC event. have entered the last two years and failed to swim. No expectations for any off my swims and based on entry times I won't be close to any top three finishes except for the relay where my fellow team members should pull us through. No more training before Friday and first day at Leeds. Perhaps an easy swim in the middle of the week with a few sprints, starts and turns.
Have managed to hold the weight down during a period of less swimming (and less working). So a much happier Tewson this week. See you all at Leeds on Friday. If you are swimming.
This is the first year that I have been fit (sort of) to swim at the LC event. have entered the last two years and failed to swim. No expectations for any off my swims and based on entry times I won't be close to any top three finishes except for the relay where my fellow team members should pull us through. No more training before Friday and first day at Leeds. Perhaps an easy swim in the middle of the week with a few sprints, starts and turns.
Have managed to hold the weight down during a period of less swimming (and less working). So a much happier Tewson this week. See you all at Leeds on Friday. If you are swimming.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Shoulder Problem back again ! Low Heart Rate issue! Can't Swim !
An interesting 10 days or so since my last Blog. After a 3 night stint of manual work my shoulder was unusually sore when I trained last week. It felt very similar to my pre surgery shoulder but I was sure it was due to the 3 shifts of manual work. I called my consultant on Friday and he suggested I make an appointment with him. I rested for 48 hrs and swam at the Lido on Saturday. Well I swam approx 400 metres before the pain in the shoulder stopped me continuing. This was definitely worse than pre - op. Oh well have rested since and just got back from consultant appointment. Now on list for more key-hole surgery. The man thinks either frayed tendon catching or a new issue with the rotator cuff.
Hoping with careful rest periods I may still be able to compete at Leeds in June. (The relay at least). Perhaps not then!
The next issue came from two sources. I had my annual cardiac check up this week. All Ok except that my pulse rate was down to 40 ish BPM. During the pre-op checks today the same issue was raised both by the nurse and the anesthetist. I think I may need to adjust one of the many drugs I take these days. I did try and argue that it was caused by my super fitness but they didn't buy that explanation but I am sure I'm right.
So unless I have an amazing recovery I won't be at Leeds or Sheffield this year. (Another entry fee down the drain. Approx 12-16 weeks from now would put surgery towards the end of Aug or early Sept. Three or Four months to re-start training and another 3 months before I can compete. 2012 here we come then. At least I can train all winter and get fit for once. My biggest concern is screwing my diet and not being out of competing again for 6 months.
Really hoping the surgery will sort the shoulder out and I can have a couple of years swimming with no issues.
Hoping with careful rest periods I may still be able to compete at Leeds in June. (The relay at least). Perhaps not then!
The next issue came from two sources. I had my annual cardiac check up this week. All Ok except that my pulse rate was down to 40 ish BPM. During the pre-op checks today the same issue was raised both by the nurse and the anesthetist. I think I may need to adjust one of the many drugs I take these days. I did try and argue that it was caused by my super fitness but they didn't buy that explanation but I am sure I'm right.
So unless I have an amazing recovery I won't be at Leeds or Sheffield this year. (Another entry fee down the drain. Approx 12-16 weeks from now would put surgery towards the end of Aug or early Sept. Three or Four months to re-start training and another 3 months before I can compete. 2012 here we come then. At least I can train all winter and get fit for once. My biggest concern is screwing my diet and not being out of competing again for 6 months.
Really hoping the surgery will sort the shoulder out and I can have a couple of years swimming with no issues.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Work, the odd swim and becoming a diet bore!
I shouldn't really complain, I seem to be managing 4 swims a week which I guess is about average for the master Swimmer. I would really like to make it 5 or 6 but unfortunately I need to do some work to pay for the afore mentioned Masters Swimming. I chose to do a manual job (and boy it has been this week) as it would help with core fitness and weight loss. The weight loss it does help still not sure about the core fitness.
I think I have always been an impatient person. I guess I will need to wait a little longer to see results.
I tend to work 3 days in a row and for this period I am always too knackered to train (Swim). Apologies to all sports people who have the same issues and don't whinge all the time.
Well I managed a couple of minutes without mentioning the 'D' word. The diet is going well, another couple of pounds. Looking forward to getting under 16 stone soon I hope. I really can't remember the last time my scales read 15 stone something. I would guess pre 1985.
The next land mark is the British Masters (LC. 50M) at Leeds. I am glad they have a new pool as I do not have good memories of the old one. 1972 and the only time I remember my Mum telling me off for swimming performance. I guess expectations were quite high but at 16 nearly 17 I had other things on my mind which may had affected swimming performance. It was also my last Nationals as a 'proper swimmer'. Anyway more detail and expectation for these nationals in the coming weeks.
I think I have always been an impatient person. I guess I will need to wait a little longer to see results.
I tend to work 3 days in a row and for this period I am always too knackered to train (Swim). Apologies to all sports people who have the same issues and don't whinge all the time.
Well I managed a couple of minutes without mentioning the 'D' word. The diet is going well, another couple of pounds. Looking forward to getting under 16 stone soon I hope. I really can't remember the last time my scales read 15 stone something. I would guess pre 1985.
The next land mark is the British Masters (LC. 50M) at Leeds. I am glad they have a new pool as I do not have good memories of the old one. 1972 and the only time I remember my Mum telling me off for swimming performance. I guess expectations were quite high but at 16 nearly 17 I had other things on my mind which may had affected swimming performance. It was also my last Nationals as a 'proper swimmer'. Anyway more detail and expectation for these nationals in the coming weeks.
Sunday 8 May 2011
My aims difficult to judge at the moment.
Another week and another 2 lbs lost. 16.05. Nothing more to say now. I am more than happy with the weight loss and am determined to look like a swimmer before the end of the year. The weight loss is the easiest of my aims to measure for obvious reasons (Its measurable). I think I am up to 28lbs lost in total since restarting my aims after my post operative 'rest' (Lazy bas---d period). My problem is that I feel I need to lose lots more to have a required effect on my fitness and speed.
I havn't had enough training this past winter and spring, only really started again mid Feb and finally felt I was getting somewhere. Until this weekend. Two meets and 7 swims with some slow performances and not 'feeling fitter'. I died for the last 20 metres of a 100FS. and my 50's were just slower than expected. I am hoping its a matter of time and that I need at least another couple of months. Training feels better but this 'feeling' is not transferring to being faster.
Time will tell, next meet is June (British LC Masters at Leeds) so I need to work hard for the next 5 weeks and continue going forward. Speed comparisons I have changed. Any PB's from the 'Suit' period 2008/2009 I have ignored on my personal records. I will count PB's on non suit swims only this year. I am still hoping to beat the suit swims at some stage going forward but maybe not this year.
I havn't had enough training this past winter and spring, only really started again mid Feb and finally felt I was getting somewhere. Until this weekend. Two meets and 7 swims with some slow performances and not 'feeling fitter'. I died for the last 20 metres of a 100FS. and my 50's were just slower than expected. I am hoping its a matter of time and that I need at least another couple of months. Training feels better but this 'feeling' is not transferring to being faster.
Time will tell, next meet is June (British LC Masters at Leeds) so I need to work hard for the next 5 weeks and continue going forward. Speed comparisons I have changed. Any PB's from the 'Suit' period 2008/2009 I have ignored on my personal records. I will count PB's on non suit swims only this year. I am still hoping to beat the suit swims at some stage going forward but maybe not this year.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Forgive me swimmers and friends for I have not blogged for 3 weeks.
I kept logging on and composing a blog in my head, then thinking the content was repetitive and boring, then thinking Would I want to read this drivel ? Then I came to my senses and thought, what the hell, as this is my only record of my quest I need to keep it going even if no one else reads it but me and Mrs Tewson (And thats not a given)
Anyway to get back to repetitive and boring. The diet. After 9 weeks of continuous weight loss I did put a lb on at some stage although this has been lost plus an additional 2 lbs since. Weight at last weigh day (23/04) was 16 s 7 lbs. So in summary, losses are slowing and I have been struggling a little but hopefully the losses will fight back over the coming weeks. If I make under 16 st it will be the first time since approx 1982.
Training has been hard work. the last 3 weeks totals up until 23/04 have been 6.8 K 9.7K and 8.8 K. Not great in meterage but some good quality and faster sets. I ended up working over Easter (A long story) so have not swam since 21/04. I will be back tonight at Gloucester Masters (Tues 26th), Public lane tomorrow but another night off Thursday as I am off to see Paul Rodgers at the NIA (Mentioned before I think.)
The weekend I have a trip to Dover to see my Son Matt. Looks like a low meterage week again.
The big problem is only another week or so and I have the Welsh Capital masters at Cardiff and the last day of the Midlands masters at Leamington, all over two days. I was hoping to see some good improvements but time will tell.
I keep suggesting to Mrs Tewson that I really should not be working to enable 5-6 swims a week with land work too. I won't repeat the answers but are along the lines of F*** O** you can pay for your own F***ing swimming you lazy B*****d.
Onwards and upwards
Anyway to get back to repetitive and boring. The diet. After 9 weeks of continuous weight loss I did put a lb on at some stage although this has been lost plus an additional 2 lbs since. Weight at last weigh day (23/04) was 16 s 7 lbs. So in summary, losses are slowing and I have been struggling a little but hopefully the losses will fight back over the coming weeks. If I make under 16 st it will be the first time since approx 1982.
Training has been hard work. the last 3 weeks totals up until 23/04 have been 6.8 K 9.7K and 8.8 K. Not great in meterage but some good quality and faster sets. I ended up working over Easter (A long story) so have not swam since 21/04. I will be back tonight at Gloucester Masters (Tues 26th), Public lane tomorrow but another night off Thursday as I am off to see Paul Rodgers at the NIA (Mentioned before I think.)
The weekend I have a trip to Dover to see my Son Matt. Looks like a low meterage week again.
The big problem is only another week or so and I have the Welsh Capital masters at Cardiff and the last day of the Midlands masters at Leamington, all over two days. I was hoping to see some good improvements but time will tell.
I keep suggesting to Mrs Tewson that I really should not be working to enable 5-6 swims a week with land work too. I won't repeat the answers but are along the lines of F*** O** you can pay for your own F***ing swimming you lazy B*****d.
Onwards and upwards
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Tewson was a pig this week. Training Ok. Gloucester Masters Open meet, still contemplating the results.
Well, I have managed 8 consecutive weeks of weight loss. Only a single pound this week which really is not surprising as I managed to award myself lots of food treats. If I had weighed two days later I am sure I would have shown an increase. This coming week will have to be a good diet week, Monday was good, now to keep to the plan until weigh day Saturday. This week I might be forced to weigh on Friday as we are away to the North East for the weekend.
Training !!!! Well My excuse is that I worked Nights Sun to Tues so didn't train until Wed with a poor excuse for a training session in public lanes. Not even a Tesco session! Real Trash Yardage. Club session on Thurs Good and an OK pre meet session on Friday with Saturday a rest day. 6K ish compared to 14K the week before. I need to sort out sessions to work around the 3 shifts I do each week.
I swam in my Clubs Open Masters event on Sunday. Not really sure what I expected and was initially disappointed in times but after thinking about what little training i have managed this year my view has improved. I also swam a 200 Free for the first time since I was 16 (40 tears ago). I overdid the easy first 100 a bit and almost came back at the same speed but was happy to post a PB as a target for future efforts. Five events in Total over 2 sessions which is also a first for me.
Next competition in 5 weeks so hope to be trim and faster. Time will tell.
Training !!!! Well My excuse is that I worked Nights Sun to Tues so didn't train until Wed with a poor excuse for a training session in public lanes. Not even a Tesco session! Real Trash Yardage. Club session on Thurs Good and an OK pre meet session on Friday with Saturday a rest day. 6K ish compared to 14K the week before. I need to sort out sessions to work around the 3 shifts I do each week.
I swam in my Clubs Open Masters event on Sunday. Not really sure what I expected and was initially disappointed in times but after thinking about what little training i have managed this year my view has improved. I also swam a 200 Free for the first time since I was 16 (40 tears ago). I overdid the easy first 100 a bit and almost came back at the same speed but was happy to post a PB as a target for future efforts. Five events in Total over 2 sessions which is also a first for me.
Next competition in 5 weeks so hope to be trim and faster. Time will tell.
Sunday 27 March 2011
Another Week. More training and less weight. (Boring or What)
Managed to swim six sessions this week. Two at Gloucester masters and two in one day (Thursday). A decent metre total of 14k. Keeping it up may be a problem but a good target for me going forward. Year to date since Feb 1st just over 66K . As last week I am only working 3 shifts this week, to make sure I can swim when I am relatively fresh for at least 2-3 days a week. A luxury to you all who work full time and train 4-5 times a week, I know.(I am lucky)
The diet ticking along well at present, another 2 lbs this week. Now down to 16.10. Someone might notice soon. My original target was to get under 16 stone (102Kg) but looking at the still fat physique I may need to review this target. I fully realise by being this open on the blog I could look pretty foolish come October at Sheffield if I am no lighter (or am heavier ) than now but I feel by putting a little pressure on my attempts I might succeed where I have failed previously. The total loss since New year has been 23lbs (10.5 Kg) so I am on target hopefully.
Next week (Sun 3rd April) we have our own (Gloucester masters) Open meet where I have entered 200 and 100 free as well as 50's in back, fly and breast. Should tell me how the fitness is progressing and see if the weight loss is helping with speed..
The diet ticking along well at present, another 2 lbs this week. Now down to 16.10. Someone might notice soon. My original target was to get under 16 stone (102Kg) but looking at the still fat physique I may need to review this target. I fully realise by being this open on the blog I could look pretty foolish come October at Sheffield if I am no lighter (or am heavier ) than now but I feel by putting a little pressure on my attempts I might succeed where I have failed previously. The total loss since New year has been 23lbs (10.5 Kg) so I am on target hopefully.
Next week (Sun 3rd April) we have our own (Gloucester masters) Open meet where I have entered 200 and 100 free as well as 50's in back, fly and breast. Should tell me how the fitness is progressing and see if the weight loss is helping with speed..
Saturday 19 March 2011
Open Top Car. Four Sessions and weigh day already !
I know the open top car is not really part of my Blog objectives but it's great now we have some warm spring sunshine to have the roof in the boot and the wind in my hair. (Whats left of it.) I nearly started to clean all the outdoor furniture on the decking but thought I would leave it at least another week. Besides the rugby is on today so I really have only one day for DIY and have other priorities. (So Mrs T tells me).
I worked 4 x 2-10 shifts this week which nearly killed me. Trained at Gloucester last Sunday, Leominster on Monday and then 2 more sessions Friday and Saturday (Today) when I had some energy by not working. Just under 10K for the week so improving distance and hopefully quality too. Even managed a set of 8 x 200's today which for those who know my swimming now (or in 1970) is quite an achievement.
Weigh day again ! Two good weeks with a 2 lb loss to add to the 3lb from last. I am now lighter than I have been since the last century. I have managed to stop celebrating good weight loss weeks with food treats!! which led to my up and down weight record of past efforts.
Only have 3 mornings work next week so should be able to increase metres swimming. Only 2 weeks to our Open meet at Gloucester. Time really flies when we get past 50 !!!!!!!!!
I worked 4 x 2-10 shifts this week which nearly killed me. Trained at Gloucester last Sunday, Leominster on Monday and then 2 more sessions Friday and Saturday (Today) when I had some energy by not working. Just under 10K for the week so improving distance and hopefully quality too. Even managed a set of 8 x 200's today which for those who know my swimming now (or in 1970) is quite an achievement.
Weigh day again ! Two good weeks with a 2 lb loss to add to the 3lb from last. I am now lighter than I have been since the last century. I have managed to stop celebrating good weight loss weeks with food treats!! which led to my up and down weight record of past efforts.
Only have 3 mornings work next week so should be able to increase metres swimming. Only 2 weeks to our Open meet at Gloucester. Time really flies when we get past 50 !!!!!!!!!
Saturday 12 March 2011
Good Diet , Poor Training, Need some metres next week. memories of Free.
Saturday Weigh Day. 3 lbs this week. that's a total of 19 since the New Year. Only 20 to go and I'll be happier. Exercise at work (a hard week) helped I am sure. Need to follow up with another good week ahead.
Training started well Mon/Tues with 4600M. I then was offered 3 nights work so thought the manual exercise would do me good and the money would contribute towards events for the rest of the year. I keep thinking there should not be a problem working all night and then doing a quick swim session the following evening before work. Trouble is I am knackered. Am hoping the manual exercise will improve my core strength and make up for the lost swimming.
I will be training at Gloucester tomorrow (Sunday) to start the week. Have agreed 4 x afternoons work this week so will not be able to get over on Tuesday or Thursday. Will try and get 3-4 public lane swims in (7.30-9.00) the rest of the week.
Totally unrelated I have bought two tickets for Paul Rodgers at Birmingham. Looking forward to some live 70's blues. For any youngsters reading think Free and Bad Company. If this means nothing you really must be very young and should not be reading an old mans Blog. I saw Free in 1973 (Bristol). I hope he has worn better than me.
Training started well Mon/Tues with 4600M. I then was offered 3 nights work so thought the manual exercise would do me good and the money would contribute towards events for the rest of the year. I keep thinking there should not be a problem working all night and then doing a quick swim session the following evening before work. Trouble is I am knackered. Am hoping the manual exercise will improve my core strength and make up for the lost swimming.
I will be training at Gloucester tomorrow (Sunday) to start the week. Have agreed 4 x afternoons work this week so will not be able to get over on Tuesday or Thursday. Will try and get 3-4 public lane swims in (7.30-9.00) the rest of the week.
Totally unrelated I have bought two tickets for Paul Rodgers at Birmingham. Looking forward to some live 70's blues. For any youngsters reading think Free and Bad Company. If this means nothing you really must be very young and should not be reading an old mans Blog. I saw Free in 1973 (Bristol). I hope he has worn better than me.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Good training start to the week, Consultant Appointment and I forgot to update my weight on Saturday.
Gave up on trying to train on Sunday as I had an 8 hour night shift to do. No hours since so trying to make up for it. Monday lane swimming 2300M and coincidentally Gloucester Masters Tues evening also 2300M but alot more effort as normal when training with fellow swimmers. Planning to train in public lanes this evening and attend a 2nd club session on Thursday at Gloucester again.
Mrs Tewson still trying to get me some more work hours which might interfere a little.
Yesterday travelled 18 miles to attend a consultant appointment re. my shoulder surgery (and recovery). For some reason I managed to attend a day early!!!!! Wasted petrol and a £2.00 car parking charge. Oh well I managed to attend today (correctly) and on time . (More petrol and a £3.00 car park charge. I informed him that the shoulder seemed to be improving week by week and he agreed I will still have some pain for another 3-4 months . He seemed very concerned that the repair may not be sufficient based on my swimming requirements. Kept saying he could improve the repair and that there were some other 'things' he could do. I felt the recovery was going to plan and said so expecting to be signed off. What he has said is 'If the pain or shoulder movement does not continue to improve or gets worse to contact him immediately' so he can 'go in again' and improve the repair.
Typically I thought of lots of questions after I had left the Hospital. He said to 'swim as normal now' (I had already !!!!) 'If still painful by August to make another appointment.'
I was quite happy before the appointment today, I am now quite worried again.
Just to make matters worse I failed to lose weight last week. (None went on either). I know why, too many ham butties and other goodies. I seem to be on track this week and hopefully will have a further reduction by Saturday (Weigh Day). Oh well I havn't had a plus in weight since the new year just a few no changes and a gradual loss.
Mrs Tewson still trying to get me some more work hours which might interfere a little.
Yesterday travelled 18 miles to attend a consultant appointment re. my shoulder surgery (and recovery). For some reason I managed to attend a day early!!!!! Wasted petrol and a £2.00 car parking charge. Oh well I managed to attend today (correctly) and on time . (More petrol and a £3.00 car park charge. I informed him that the shoulder seemed to be improving week by week and he agreed I will still have some pain for another 3-4 months . He seemed very concerned that the repair may not be sufficient based on my swimming requirements. Kept saying he could improve the repair and that there were some other 'things' he could do. I felt the recovery was going to plan and said so expecting to be signed off. What he has said is 'If the pain or shoulder movement does not continue to improve or gets worse to contact him immediately' so he can 'go in again' and improve the repair.
Typically I thought of lots of questions after I had left the Hospital. He said to 'swim as normal now' (I had already !!!!) 'If still painful by August to make another appointment.'
I was quite happy before the appointment today, I am now quite worried again.
Just to make matters worse I failed to lose weight last week. (None went on either). I know why, too many ham butties and other goodies. I seem to be on track this week and hopefully will have a further reduction by Saturday (Weigh Day). Oh well I havn't had a plus in weight since the new year just a few no changes and a gradual loss.
Sunday 6 March 2011
250 Miles for two events. Shoulder OK (I Think) and Wet officials.
I had forgotten just how far Bracknell was from Rural Herefordshire. A touch under 125 miles and 2 1/2 hrs which included a slight detour to Tesco for cheap fuel and Powerade. Arrived an hour too early and was first to register for my first two swims. Plenty of time for a leisurely coffee and early lunch.
I was nervous about swimming backstroke at 100% as this was the stroke my shoulder stopped me swimming at all for the last 15 months. I decided to swim a steady fly leg and swim 10 m under water going into the back. Went a lttle deep and struggled to get back to the surface for a urgently needed breath of air.
Apart from that the backstroke went well if not flat out. Into the Devils stroke (Breast) where everyone around me took at least 3 metres from my effort. I think I had been a bit too easy to this point cause I had a storming last 25 Free taking back the lost yardage from the breast and pipping someone from my age group at the finish.
The problem with only entering 3 events at a busy meet is that there are very long gaps between them. Next event was the 50 Free which was Ok apart from being in lane 6 of a 6 lane pool which is not deck level. Very choppy swim but fairly happy with a 29.13 which is Ok after no real training since October.
The Medley Time was Ok but the only comparison was a fit, suit wearing swim from 2009 so a 1.17 was acceptable for the comeback.
Sorry to the timekeepers in lanes 5 and 6 for soaking them on my finishes. The lady on lane 5 said she never wears whites for the big boys ! I really am not sure what she meant !!
I had entered the 50 Fly an early event in the 2nd session but I had finished the 50 Free changed and ready by 3.30. The first session was still running and the 2nd session was planned to start at 5.45 with my event about 6.30. I felt it was a long 3 hrs to wait for a 50 Fly and I could be home before it started so I left to ensure I spent Sat evening with Mrs Tewson who was more than pleased to see me at 6.30.
In summary all Ok the shoulder a little sore but more from driving for 5 hours than the swimming. I have our own Masters Meet at the start of April which will tell me more after another four weeks of training.
I was nervous about swimming backstroke at 100% as this was the stroke my shoulder stopped me swimming at all for the last 15 months. I decided to swim a steady fly leg and swim 10 m under water going into the back. Went a lttle deep and struggled to get back to the surface for a urgently needed breath of air.
Apart from that the backstroke went well if not flat out. Into the Devils stroke (Breast) where everyone around me took at least 3 metres from my effort. I think I had been a bit too easy to this point cause I had a storming last 25 Free taking back the lost yardage from the breast and pipping someone from my age group at the finish.
The problem with only entering 3 events at a busy meet is that there are very long gaps between them. Next event was the 50 Free which was Ok apart from being in lane 6 of a 6 lane pool which is not deck level. Very choppy swim but fairly happy with a 29.13 which is Ok after no real training since October.
The Medley Time was Ok but the only comparison was a fit, suit wearing swim from 2009 so a 1.17 was acceptable for the comeback.
Sorry to the timekeepers in lanes 5 and 6 for soaking them on my finishes. The lady on lane 5 said she never wears whites for the big boys ! I really am not sure what she meant !!
I had entered the 50 Fly an early event in the 2nd session but I had finished the 50 Free changed and ready by 3.30. The first session was still running and the 2nd session was planned to start at 5.45 with my event about 6.30. I felt it was a long 3 hrs to wait for a 50 Fly and I could be home before it started so I left to ensure I spent Sat evening with Mrs Tewson who was more than pleased to see me at 6.30.
In summary all Ok the shoulder a little sore but more from driving for 5 hours than the swimming. I have our own Masters Meet at the start of April which will tell me more after another four weeks of training.
Friday 4 March 2011
Pre Meet Nerves ! Bracknell here we come.
I looked at the entry list today and was pleased to see a few names I have met before. Looks a busy meet with 295 individual entries. Good job I checked the entry information today cause we need to arrive before 12.00 to confirm the first session entries. Not sure how long it will take me from home to Bracknell on a Saturday morning . (I am guessing 2-2 1/2 hrs.) The rest of the masters from Gloucester Masters are competing at the Wales Open Masters meet at Swansea. I was too late with my decision to get my entries in for this.
Shoulder still a little sore but should be OK. I got all my kit and food ready this evening. All ready to go in the morning. Swimming 100IM, 50 Free and 50 Fly. If the shoulder fails I can scrap the 50 Fly in the 2nd session. If the shoulder stands up well I will wish I had entered more / different events. Oh well just pleased to be back competing really.
Weigh day tomorrow too. Will report in either tomorrow night or Sunday.
Shoulder still a little sore but should be OK. I got all my kit and food ready this evening. All ready to go in the morning. Swimming 100IM, 50 Free and 50 Fly. If the shoulder fails I can scrap the 50 Fly in the 2nd session. If the shoulder stands up well I will wish I had entered more / different events. Oh well just pleased to be back competing really.
Weigh day tomorrow too. Will report in either tomorrow night or Sunday.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
A well deserved Rest? and my comeback planned for Saturday.
After my club session on Sunday and an easy public lane swim on Monday I had a sore shoulder but after resting on Tuesday and today it seems Ok. I will swim tomorrow am to test it out.
I have entered the Bracknell Masters Meet as my first event since the Nationals at Sheffield in October. It has all been a bit of guess work as to when I would be recovered enough from the shoulder surgery in November. It may be a little early but I have only entered the 100IM, 50 Free and 50 Fly. I don't intend doing anything flat out and do not expect any PB's. I have only 35,000M of training behind me over the last 4 weeks so it will be a fun day as part of my Rehab.
It will be good to see some of the swim clubbers and friends I have made over the last 3 years. I don't get to the South/South East too often these days.
I have entered the Bracknell Masters Meet as my first event since the Nationals at Sheffield in October. It has all been a bit of guess work as to when I would be recovered enough from the shoulder surgery in November. It may be a little early but I have only entered the 100IM, 50 Free and 50 Fly. I don't intend doing anything flat out and do not expect any PB's. I have only 35,000M of training behind me over the last 4 weeks so it will be a fun day as part of my Rehab.
It will be good to see some of the swim clubbers and friends I have made over the last 3 years. I don't get to the South/South East too often these days.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Sunday Club Session.
Much busier than Thurs Night Session. Back to the 8 lane main pool. Great to see most of the guys who I last saw at Sheffield in October.
I moved up a lane to the 3rd fastest. It was hard work but I need to stick to it if they let me as it makes me work harder. Started going off 3/4th but ended up at the back at the end of the main set.
800 warm up as [100 pull, 100 kick, 100 swim (4x25 fast kick)] x 2
10 x150 as 100 steady 50 build to sprint finish on 2.45.
400 recovery swim
Starts and sprints. approx 200m
Swim down 200m
I struggled to keep ahead of the swimmers behind me on the main set of 150's but finished everything OK. One of our resident channel swimmers led the lane and was pretty swift (compared to me). I came into my own when we did the sprints later. I need 3-4 sessions per week like this but won't be over again until Thurs.
Competing next weekend but more of that next week. The drive home (only 32 miles) seemed a long time but I left the water at 8.55 and was home for 10.05.
Oh well up to leave home at 0500 in the morning and a public lane swim at 1900 tomorrow evening.
I moved up a lane to the 3rd fastest. It was hard work but I need to stick to it if they let me as it makes me work harder. Started going off 3/4th but ended up at the back at the end of the main set.
800 warm up as [100 pull, 100 kick, 100 swim (4x25 fast kick)] x 2
10 x150 as 100 steady 50 build to sprint finish on 2.45.
400 recovery swim
Starts and sprints. approx 200m
Swim down 200m
I struggled to keep ahead of the swimmers behind me on the main set of 150's but finished everything OK. One of our resident channel swimmers led the lane and was pretty swift (compared to me). I came into my own when we did the sprints later. I need 3-4 sessions per week like this but won't be over again until Thurs.
Competing next weekend but more of that next week. The drive home (only 32 miles) seemed a long time but I left the water at 8.55 and was home for 10.05.
Oh well up to leave home at 0500 in the morning and a public lane swim at 1900 tomorrow evening.
Saturday 26 February 2011
Friday Lane Swim, Lazy Saturday Weigh Day and Rugby on TV
After my rehab at Gloucester Masters on Thursday I was back in Public lane swimming Friday Lunch time. Just to clarify, Public lane swimming at Leominster is pretty good for Masters and Tri-athletes. On the odd day, we get some slower swimmers who insist on swimming in the 'Fast Lane' especially if there is only one or two of us swimming. Generally we are pretty free to follow our schedules with very little interruption.
Our coach at Gloucester told me my hand entry was incorrect and I was slapping too much. He gave me some guidance to correct this fault. I spent most the Friday lunch time session working on drills to alter my hand entry and pull a little more towards my sides rather than down my centre line. (My excuse for only doing 2000 Metres)
I also did lots of backstroke drills now my shoulder allows me to swim this stroke again. Saturday a day off before the 90 min club session at Gloucester on Sunday evening.
Weigh Day Saturday , no improvement from Thurs Blog but another steady 2 lbs off this week. I'm at the weight I normally get stuck at but hopefully (No definitely!!) this time I will keep going.
As well as no training it's Sports day on TV today. Hoping England beat France later and the Match Play Golf from the US is getting to the interesting stages with lots of Europeans still in the tournament.
Our coach at Gloucester told me my hand entry was incorrect and I was slapping too much. He gave me some guidance to correct this fault. I spent most the Friday lunch time session working on drills to alter my hand entry and pull a little more towards my sides rather than down my centre line. (My excuse for only doing 2000 Metres)
I also did lots of backstroke drills now my shoulder allows me to swim this stroke again. Saturday a day off before the 90 min club session at Gloucester on Sunday evening.
Weigh Day Saturday , no improvement from Thurs Blog but another steady 2 lbs off this week. I'm at the weight I normally get stuck at but hopefully (No definitely!!) this time I will keep going.
As well as no training it's Sports day on TV today. Hoping England beat France later and the Match Play Golf from the US is getting to the interesting stages with lots of Europeans still in the tournament.
Friday 25 February 2011
A happier Fat Swimmer and do swimmers sprint 200's
My first year of swimming in 2008 was 100% Public Lane Swimming. I joined my local swimming club to get my asa registration but they had no Masters section and could offer no pool time. All my competitive efforts were based on my training 3-4 times a week approx an hour each session. I did Ok winning a few events at Open meets and finally scraping a silver for the 50m Free (Splash and Dash) at the asa Masters (sc) at Sheffield in October 2009. I am currently and will likely remain a sprinter at heart, although I would love to swim a competitive 200M at some time.
Now talking about 200M brings me to the reason I am happier today. Last night I had my first session back at my Club, Gloucester masters. I joined Gloucester after my minor success at Sheffield in 2009. The problem with doing my own sessions is that they were based on my memory of sessions I did with my coach Arthur Dann when I was a boy of 15/16. I am also very lazy. I needed to train with like minded master swimmers and after looking at Masters Clubs within evening commuting distances from Rural Herefordshire I decided on Gloucester.It is a 60+ mile round trip but Gloucester are a strong club who do well nationally and have a presence at many Open meets.
Anyway to stop my meandering on and on my first session back after a 4 month break due to Shoulder surgery. Luckily it was a Lactate Tolerance session so total was steady and all went well.
We were asked to swim 4 x 75 at 200 sprint speed. I said anything over 50 is not a sprint. I was assured that 200's are indeed a sprint event. I havn't swam one for 38 years so thought I'd do one at our open meet in April . Will it be a sprint??? Time will tell.
Now talking about 200M brings me to the reason I am happier today. Last night I had my first session back at my Club, Gloucester masters. I joined Gloucester after my minor success at Sheffield in 2009. The problem with doing my own sessions is that they were based on my memory of sessions I did with my coach Arthur Dann when I was a boy of 15/16. I am also very lazy. I needed to train with like minded master swimmers and after looking at Masters Clubs within evening commuting distances from Rural Herefordshire I decided on Gloucester.It is a 60+ mile round trip but Gloucester are a strong club who do well nationally and have a presence at many Open meets.
Anyway to stop my meandering on and on my first session back after a 4 month break due to Shoulder surgery. Luckily it was a Lactate Tolerance session so total was steady and all went well.
We were asked to swim 4 x 75 at 200 sprint speed. I said anything over 50 is not a sprint. I was assured that 200's are indeed a sprint event. I havn't swam one for 38 years so thought I'd do one at our open meet in April . Will it be a sprint??? Time will tell.
Thursday 24 February 2011
'The Fat Swimmer Bit'
'Diets' Who needs them. Well I guess I have been trying to lose weight since I hit 40 and realised it was hard work once you get 'older'
The recent past has seen me hitting 19st 10lbs in around 2000. I went on a golfing holiday for a week with a non playing Mrs Tewson. Nice 5* hotel with bloody scales in the bathroom. I really did not realise how heavy I had become! To Cap this we all had pics taken on the 1st Tee. To cut to the chase Mrs Tewson said 'Quick go and buy those pics before everyone sees them'. I guess for the next 7 years I yo yo'd up and down between 17 and 20 stone. At the time of my heart problems I weighed around 20 stone 6 lbs. The consultant said for me to concentrate on stopping smoking and hit the weight loss later.
Giving up smoking is easy compared to a successful diet. When someone says you will die within 2 years if you don't stop it gives you will power. Now diets ! Well you are not stopping something 100% are you , we still need to eat so its just a matter of cutting down or cutting out, simples. The problem is I like food especially the fatty stuff. I have grown used to eating large portions of the wrong foods.
So after my bi-pass I started a Diet. I lost 3 stone 6lbs over the next 15 months. 2 stone 6 lbs of this before I started swimming . I swam at my first competition a fighting 18 stone. I looked huge compared to all these Masters Swimmers who all look trim to me. For the next 2 years I have stayed at around 17 stone. I still look huge in comparison to my fellow competitors and I am sure that by losing another 2-3 stone will enable me to swim faster. This is the key for me. I want to swim faster and win more national events. I will not do it with technique and training alone I need to trim down again.
So as of this morning I had reduced to 17 st 2 lbs. I am in the middle of a diet started after Xmas. I had put weight on after a shoulder surgery enforced layoff.. So having reduced again to present weight from 18 stone 6lbs I am determined to continue at a steady pace until my times improve.
This is as open and honest as I have ever been so I hope no one is reading this.
The recent past has seen me hitting 19st 10lbs in around 2000. I went on a golfing holiday for a week with a non playing Mrs Tewson. Nice 5* hotel with bloody scales in the bathroom. I really did not realise how heavy I had become! To Cap this we all had pics taken on the 1st Tee. To cut to the chase Mrs Tewson said 'Quick go and buy those pics before everyone sees them'. I guess for the next 7 years I yo yo'd up and down between 17 and 20 stone. At the time of my heart problems I weighed around 20 stone 6 lbs. The consultant said for me to concentrate on stopping smoking and hit the weight loss later.
Giving up smoking is easy compared to a successful diet. When someone says you will die within 2 years if you don't stop it gives you will power. Now diets ! Well you are not stopping something 100% are you , we still need to eat so its just a matter of cutting down or cutting out, simples. The problem is I like food especially the fatty stuff. I have grown used to eating large portions of the wrong foods.
So after my bi-pass I started a Diet. I lost 3 stone 6lbs over the next 15 months. 2 stone 6 lbs of this before I started swimming . I swam at my first competition a fighting 18 stone. I looked huge compared to all these Masters Swimmers who all look trim to me. For the next 2 years I have stayed at around 17 stone. I still look huge in comparison to my fellow competitors and I am sure that by losing another 2-3 stone will enable me to swim faster. This is the key for me. I want to swim faster and win more national events. I will not do it with technique and training alone I need to trim down again.
So as of this morning I had reduced to 17 st 2 lbs. I am in the middle of a diet started after Xmas. I had put weight on after a shoulder surgery enforced layoff.. So having reduced again to present weight from 18 stone 6lbs I am determined to continue at a steady pace until my times improve.
This is as open and honest as I have ever been so I hope no one is reading this.
Nearly Three Years and still not happy
Basic information will be old hat to some and details I try not to ponder on too much. After mid life of deserting exercise and smoking levels up to 40/day I was told that I needed bi-pass surgery. Oh Shit! It would never happen to me of course. I had swam competitively as a youngster, then played Water polo and Rugby until late 30's and early 40's. My golf was the only activity left (But not enough). It was Golf or to be more accurate the slight slope on the 2nd hole which first gave me reason for concern. A slight pain in my left armpit and surrounding area. I always walked it off but did realise I was very unfit and breathless at times.
To cut to the chase I eventually went to the docs which led to the diagnosis that I had at least 3 arteries blocked by up to 95%. (Jan 2007). I gave up my 40/day habit the day I was told give up or die. I waited for the dates for surgery, was told 12-16 weeks. The date came at about a weeks notice and off I went to Birmingham for the op. 31st May 2007. I was in my 53rd year and judging by the age of my fellow customers at the Hospital pretty young to need the surgery. The one advantage my consultant tells me is that I am young enough to have the surgery repeated in 12-20 years if I need it. Leaving to one side all the boring bits the surgery was successful and 7 days later Mrs Tewson drove me home with a pillow between the seat belt and my chest.
After 12 weeks of recovering I was allowed to start a course of rehab. This led to joining the local gym and trying to get fit for the first time on 25 years. My problem with the gym was that I had a chronic back issue of protruding discs and two knacked knees from my Rugby days. I felt I was falling apart. My Sister suggested I go swimming with her 3 times a week.
Now I had fallen out with swimming at 17 due to spending my teenage years swimming 30-40 K a week training and had never considered ever training again. After my first visit to the pool I was close to not starting any sort of swimming training again. I swam the first length and needed to stop and rest! This was May 2008.
Ok, between then and now I progressed from my 3 times a week swimming with sis to Joining Gloucester masters swimming club and attempting to train 5 times a week approx 12-15K.. I have undergone two more bouts of surgery (No not the heart but knee and shoulder) to keep me active. I can still sprint pretty well but to explain the 'still not happy' bit, I still feel the need to get much fitter and swim longer events. I hope after the recent shoulder surgery I can have a couple of years of steady improvement and improve my current performances. The blog will be my record of working to improve while still living my life with Mrs Tewson
Hope you all (If any) don't get to too bored.
To cut to the chase I eventually went to the docs which led to the diagnosis that I had at least 3 arteries blocked by up to 95%. (Jan 2007). I gave up my 40/day habit the day I was told give up or die. I waited for the dates for surgery, was told 12-16 weeks. The date came at about a weeks notice and off I went to Birmingham for the op. 31st May 2007. I was in my 53rd year and judging by the age of my fellow customers at the Hospital pretty young to need the surgery. The one advantage my consultant tells me is that I am young enough to have the surgery repeated in 12-20 years if I need it. Leaving to one side all the boring bits the surgery was successful and 7 days later Mrs Tewson drove me home with a pillow between the seat belt and my chest.
After 12 weeks of recovering I was allowed to start a course of rehab. This led to joining the local gym and trying to get fit for the first time on 25 years. My problem with the gym was that I had a chronic back issue of protruding discs and two knacked knees from my Rugby days. I felt I was falling apart. My Sister suggested I go swimming with her 3 times a week.
Now I had fallen out with swimming at 17 due to spending my teenage years swimming 30-40 K a week training and had never considered ever training again. After my first visit to the pool I was close to not starting any sort of swimming training again. I swam the first length and needed to stop and rest! This was May 2008.
Ok, between then and now I progressed from my 3 times a week swimming with sis to Joining Gloucester masters swimming club and attempting to train 5 times a week approx 12-15K.. I have undergone two more bouts of surgery (No not the heart but knee and shoulder) to keep me active. I can still sprint pretty well but to explain the 'still not happy' bit, I still feel the need to get much fitter and swim longer events. I hope after the recent shoulder surgery I can have a couple of years of steady improvement and improve my current performances. The blog will be my record of working to improve while still living my life with Mrs Tewson
Hope you all (If any) don't get to too bored.
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