Plan modifications - Specifically substituting something else for swimming....

[Sasquatch]

So right now I am just starting week 4 of the pre-season plan(week 6 total). I use a bike trainer at home, run outside for most of the runs, use an indoor track for the track workouts, and swim at the YMCA. I'm finidng that I can't seem to get to the YMCA to swim three times a week. The bike and run are easy to squeeze into random places during the day, but finding a way to get to the pool three times a week is just not working. I am married(both of us work) with 3 kids (one is special needs, so baby sitter's don't work), So I have to either be at home working out, or during off times when the pools are closed.

I feel like my swim is doing well (i'm doing the workouts in meters in the timeframes) so I'm wondering what suggestions anyone might have as something to substitute for a swim workout when I just can't make it to the pool? I swam competitively through highschool, so my technique is fairly good.

I have a climbing wall at home, and some small weight equipment. I live just off a lake, so once summer gets here, I'll be doing alot of open water swims..., but until then should I substitute something else, or just skip the ones I can't make?

Thanks!

[Mike Llerandi]

Open water swims will be cool -- one thing that I like to add when I can't make it to the pool are stretch cords. Shop around online for a pair that would suit your ability/budget, but here's an example of what I'm talking about:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/1225.htm

You can actually simulate some decent swims in a fraction of the time, but just be careful starting out with them as you could easily get really, really (really!) sore!

Hope that helps -- I think it's certainly worth a shot.

Cheers,
Mikee

[Sasquatch]

Thanks, That could be very painful :), I bet you'd get seriously strong though.