SM14,

Swimming was a bit of an accident for me. I've been running for 40 yrs and enjoy it but after my accident running was virtually impossible for 2.5 years, even walking was an overload. I thought I was ruined and would never be able to move again as I had on the past.

I have a pool at home and decided to give it a try so I began very slowly and shortly and discovered no ill effects so I started working my way up time wise still going easy.

As I added effort I began to notice that sustained times of aerobic activity created symptoms I did not enjoy so I would swim hard a lap then easy a lap, still frustrating but it was progress.

The other trick was to learn what symptoms were from swimming and what was from anxiety, as I began to recognize anxiety induced symptoms I would push through the other side.

I swim freestyle, back and butterfly for 30 minutes and am fine running on a treadmill with elevation now so I alternate which is probably better for the body anyways.

Slow, steady and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Do not judge current abilities against your past, rather use your past abilities as a goal if you decide they are reasonable and attainable.

I am happy with my level of fitness again. My biggest holdover from the accident is my brain seems to be quite aware of the normal aches and stiff muscles of strenuous exercise and have to remind myself its normal.

Enjoy the adventure.

Bud