by Dr. Paul Hutinger
Question: Recently, I was in an auto accident and had multiple broken bones in my legs. I haven't been able to get into the water for three months. What suggestions do you have for getting back into training for competition?
Answer: I've had similar questions regarding rehab from surgery, injuries and long term illnesses. All involve special planning and the rethinking of your goals and objectives.
You must realize that your early performances will not be close to what you had accomplished previous to your accident. Depending on the severity of your injury, just being able to swim easy 25's is a major accomplishment. Working up to one half the distance of your usual workout is another big step. This is an excellent opportunity to concentrate on technique, rather than yardage. Instead of using the pace clock for intervals, just swim your events. In order for you to have a sense of accomplishment and the patience to survive training and competition with your limited performance, I encourage you to establish new Personal Records (PR's). These are your best times, not only for competition, but also in your training--best sets, swimming other strokes, etc. These PR's (After Accident (AA), After Surgery (AS), After Whatever (AW) will give you a reason to go to practice or to a meet. I consider these technique swims.If you can't swim fast, you can at least look good! On June 2, I had surgery, and was in the hospital for four days. During this time, my Hematocrits dropped from a high of 14.5 to a low of 11, due to loss of blood. I don't expect a return to higher levels for several months. Almost four weeks after surgery, I competed at the Sarasota meet. My 100m back, 1:43 and 200m back, 3:52 were slow times for me. Two weeks later, I swam in St Pete. I improved my PR's AS in the 100 to 1:39 and in the 200 to 3:46. Neither times are what I'm working towards when I age up next year, but I was pleased that they were both faster than last year, following my stroke and bacterial infection.
Roger Franks (mentioned in the May 03 issue) is concerned that he may have a permanent set back in muscle strength as a result of taking Lipitor earlier this year. As a result, he is no longer able to swim at the World Record pace he did last year. With a 3 minute slower time in his 1500m free, he feels "incredibly slow in the water and is depressed about the whole swim business." In spite of his challenges, he will be competing at Nationals.
In summary, have realistic goals and objectives to help you Overcome your adversities. We all will need this persistence, sometime in our lifetime.
Anyone wanting more info, please send a large SASE to: Dr. Paul Hutinger; 1755 Georgia Ave. NE; St. Petersburg, FL 33703. E-mail: phut@usms.org