Preparing for a Mile-Long Swim in Six Weeks

Preparing for a mile-long swim can take only six weeks. This is possible if you set a certain program and abide to it religiously. Swimming for just a few meters already requires tough endurance, so if you plan to swim for a mile, you have to focus on building up your staying power.

First, you have to know whether you are healthy enough to take the challenge. Make sure you do not have any serious health problems especially concerning the heart. Swimming is a strenuous activity and needs cardio-pulmonary strength.

Once you are cleared, prepare to sacrifice. If you haven’t done so, modify your diet to what is appropriate. Take in meals which are high in protein for muscle build up and lessen, or eliminate if possible, fatty foods. Chicken, fish, vegetables, and fruits are ideal for the body you want. Lessen your sugar intake and eliminate vices, especially cigarette smoking.

Your next step is to set a goal. Arrange your schedule of training and follow it strictly. Ideally, it would be effective if you train thrice a week, not continuously. Do your training every other day so you can have a whole day of rest. Swimming is an exhausting activity because it makes use of almost every muscle. It is important to balance the activity and the rest periods.

Know your baseline by monitoring yourself first. Get a timer, start swimming, and record the length of time you can swim. Then try gradually increasing the length of time you are swimming. Your goal is to swim non-stop for an hour because that is the average length of time to swim one mile. But remember not to overdo it.

Stick with this training routine for six weeks. A couple of days before the mile swim day just try to rest and relax. This way, your body will be in perfect condition. Be persistent with your goal and instill discipline in yourself because the next you know, you might already be swimming towards a swimming trophy.