Newbie Swimming journal...week 3 - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.

As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.

I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
heart attack. Some of my bad habits:

1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
3) not breathing correctly
4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
drag)
5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
shoulders and the rest of my body.
8) Kicking way too fast

Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.

After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.

I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.

Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
and bike 2x a week after next week.

Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
make sure I balance everything with work/family life.

I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
arriving this week as well...

Seize the day...onward and upward!

sensei (aka newbie)

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in
news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om:

> Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
>
> As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
>
> I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
>
> 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> 3) not breathing correctly
> 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> drag)
> 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> shoulders and the rest of my body.
> 8) Kicking way too fast
>
> Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
>
> After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
>
> I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
>
> Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> and bike 2x a week after next week.
>
> Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
>
> I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> arriving this week as well...
>
> Seize the day...onward and upward!
>
> sensei (aka newbie)
>

Sounds like great progress. You're doing all the right things, just be
patient with yourself and stick to the drills and coach's advice.

Happy training!

Tom

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

I was in a very similar boat to yours. I was 28 and attempting to teach
myself how to swim (I didn't figure the doggie paddle would work well over a
2.4 mile course).

I found the Total Immersion book invaluable.
"Tom Henderson" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:Xns9504DA72C2466TomH4thBellSouthnet@216.77.18 8.18...
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in
> news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om:
>
> > Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> > coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
> >
> > As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> > about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> > I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> > stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> > then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
> >
> > I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> > heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
> >
> > 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> > 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> > 3) not breathing correctly
> > 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> > drag)
> > 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> > 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> > 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> > shoulders and the rest of my body.
> > 8) Kicking way too fast
> >
> > Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> > of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> > 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> > figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
> >
> > After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> > helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> > hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> > pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> > breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> > lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> > but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> > goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> > wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
> >
> > I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> > going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> > got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> > do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
> >
> > Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> > afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> > can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> > and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> > and bike 2x a week after next week.
> >
> > Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> > the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> > playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> > make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
> >
> > I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> > newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> > arriving this week as well...
> >
> > Seize the day...onward and upward!
> >
> > sensei (aka newbie)
> >
>
> Sounds like great progress. You're doing all the right things, just be
> patient with yourself and stick to the drills and coach's advice.
>
> Happy training!
>
> Tom

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in message news:<fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google. com>...
>> 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)

> After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head.

I love that moment when swimmers get that it's much easier to pull
yourself with your delts, lats, obliques and rest of your trunk then
with the small bicep muscles. Sounds like your coaches/teachers are
getting to the most important matters first.

And then I
> hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> breathing tends to take care of itself.

Water line between your goggles and the middle of your forehead for
speed and between the middle of your forehead and your cap line for
distance. Distance should be a nice soft neck position without too
much strain. No higher - no lower. Sounds like more really solid
advice and focus from your coaches/teachers. As your upper body
becomes stronger (especially the traps & delts) you'll be able to hold
your head at the "speed" position for longer and longer. That's why
many swimmers are built like football players...

I was able to swim 4-6
> lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> wrong.

> Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.

Yep...if people tried to run in the positions they yank their necks
into to swim...

Bad head position is the swimming equivalent to landing on your heels.
It takes some conscious effort to correct it and most folks don't
until they have other problems. It also sets your alignment off for
everything else and makes you far more inefficient.

> I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
>

<snip>

> Seize the day...onward and upward!
>
> sensei (aka newbie)

Keep on rocking it. Your plan sounds great and you seem to really be
progressing!

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

Patience does seem like the key word here. I felt REALLY good in the
pool when I was doing laps on Thursday - felt like I could put 4-5
laps together - could feel the difference when I kept my head down
(began to get the hint of what I read about when someone feels like
they're swimming downhill...) but when I went out to swim in the
masters program this morning, I felt like I took a step backwards.

My left stroke is clearly weaker and its causing me to drop my arms,
which causes me to lift my head, which causes my legs to drop. But at
least I can sense what i'm doing when everything is going to pot.

When I first jump in, my first 3-4 lengths feel strong, good timing,
breathing every 3 strokes, pressing the t as they say. And then i
start swallowing water, which causes me to rush my strokes, drop my
head, etc...

lol, maybe i'll just use the breaststroke for the 400 yard swim! I'll
head back into the pool tomorrow and see if I can't tweak my stroke
some more. I watch some of the guys/gals swimming at masters in the
fast lane and it looks like they're gliding across the water, keeping
their hips high in the water...I'm sure it must be painful to watch me
swim! ;)

Always the optimist...better days ahead i'm sure.

Tom Henderson <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<Xns9504DA72C2466TomH4thBellSouthnet@216.77.1 88.18>...
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in
> news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om:
>
> > Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> > coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
> >
> > As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> > about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> > I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> > stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> > then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
> >
> > I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> > heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
> >
> > 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> > 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> > 3) not breathing correctly
> > 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> > drag)
> > 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> > 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> > 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> > shoulders and the rest of my body.
> > 8) Kicking way too fast
> >
> > Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> > of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> > 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> > figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
> >
> > After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> > helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> > hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> > pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> > breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> > lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> > but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> > goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> > wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
> >
> > I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> > going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> > got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> > do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
> >
> > Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> > afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> > can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> > and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> > and bike 2x a week after next week.
> >
> > Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> > the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> > playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> > make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
> >
> > I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> > newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> > arriving this week as well...
> >
> > Seize the day...onward and upward!
> >
> > sensei (aka newbie)
> >
>
> Sounds like great progress. You're doing all the right things, just be
> patient with yourself and stick to the drills and coach's advice.
>
> Happy training!
>
> Tom

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

thanks for the journal! i'm getting back in the water too-after not much
swimming my whole life. just swan last night for the first time in about 10
years-could do 100m but then was breathing pretty hard. i'll try using the
advice u got next time. i'll be doing the tri for fun in pleasanton in
august. i need to start swimming a lot though. i've been biking for the
past couple of years so that shouldn't be as bad. running-well, i need a
little work there too but swimming is the first thing on the list. have fun
training!

"FFBSensei" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om...
> Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
>
> As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
>
> I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
>
> 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> 3) not breathing correctly
> 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> drag)
> 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> shoulders and the rest of my body.
> 8) Kicking way too fast
>
> Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
>
> After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
>
> I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
>
> Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> and bike 2x a week after next week.
>
> Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
>
> I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> arriving this week as well...
>
> Seize the day...onward and upward!
>
> sensei (aka newbie)

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in message news:<fe5916f0.0406110936.4586a3f3@posting.google. com>...
> Patience does seem like the key word here. I felt REALLY good in the

<snip>

> some more. I watch some of the guys/gals swimming at masters in the
> fast lane and it looks like they're gliding across the water, keeping
> their hips high in the water...I'm sure it must be painful to watch me
> swim! ;)
>
> Always the optimist...better days ahead i'm sure.
>

Doing butterfly kick with a kickboard is a great way to learn hip
position. When doing fly kick, your hips should be the motion (not
your legs). You should feel a breeze on your behind because your hips
are completely out of the water on the upward motion/beginning of each
kick. Do a length w/ a kickboard on your stomach and then work those
abs by doing a length on your back (no kickboard - arms superman
style/streamline position ahead of you). Do a couple of 50s this way.

Are you working on bilateral (both side) breathing? This may help
with some of the weak side breathing.

Or even better, when you first start swimming swim on your weak side.
Swim your first 25 with the slowest, limp armed, no kick stroke you
can put together. With each 25 improve something about your swim
(head position, arm power, body rotation) as your muscles warm up.
After 3 or 4 lengths go to breathing on both sides (which will allow
you to incorporate your strong side as well). By the end of 6
lengths, you should feel like your form is the best, instead of
falling apart.

It's kind of like that really dumb bouncy running feeling I get for
the first 10 minutes of a run until I'm warmed up. Once I'm warm I
settle down into a good, smooth position but that warm up is a time to
focus on what I need to do to have good form for my run.

Keep us updated!
~b
>
>
>
> Tom Henderson <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<Xns9504DA72C2466TomH4thBellSouthnet@216.77.1 88.18>...
> > [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in
> > news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om:
> >
> > > Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> > > coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
> > >
> > > As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> > > about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> > > I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> > > stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> > > then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
> > >
> > > I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> > > heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
> > >
> > > 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> > > 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> > > 3) not breathing correctly
> > > 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> > > drag)
> > > 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> > > 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> > > 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> > > shoulders and the rest of my body.
> > > 8) Kicking way too fast
> > >
> > > Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> > > of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> > > 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> > > figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
> > >
> > > After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> > > helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> > > hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> > > pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> > > breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> > > lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> > > but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> > > goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> > > wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
> > >
> > > I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> > > going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> > > got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> > > do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
> > >
> > > Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> > > afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> > > can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> > > and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> > > and bike 2x a week after next week.
> > >
> > > Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> > > the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> > > playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> > > make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
> > >
> > > I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> > > newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> > > arriving this week as well...
> > >
> > > Seize the day...onward and upward!
> > >
> > > sensei (aka newbie)
> > >
> >
> > Sounds like great progress. You're doing all the right things, just be
> > patient with yourself and stick to the drills and coach's advice.
> >
> > Happy training!
> >
> > Tom

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

"serg" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>...
> thanks for the journal! i'm getting back in the water too-after not much
> swimming my whole life. just swan last night for the first time in about 10
> years-could do 100m but then was breathing pretty hard. i'll try using the
> advice u got next time. i'll be doing the tri for fun in pleasanton in
> august. i need to start swimming a lot though. i've been biking for the
> past couple of years so that shouldn't be as bad. running-well, i need a
> little work there too but swimming is the first thing on the list. have fun
> training!
>
> "FFBSensei" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om...
> > Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> > coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
> >
> > As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> > about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> > I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> > stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> > then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
> >
> > I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> > heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
> >
> > 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> > 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> > 3) not breathing correctly
> > 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> > drag)
> > 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> > 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> > 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> > shoulders and the rest of my body.
> > 8) Kicking way too fast
> >
> > Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> > of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> > 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> > figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
> >
> > After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> > helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> > hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> > pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> > breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> > lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> > but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> > goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> > wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
> >
> > I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> > going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> > got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> > do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
> >
> > Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> > afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> > can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> > and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> > and bike 2x a week after next week.
> >
> > Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> > the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> > playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> > make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
> >
> > I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> > newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> > arriving this week as well...
> >
> > Seize the day...onward and upward!
> >
> > sensei (aka newbie)
\

What is "pressing the T"?

Greg

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

"Ironic" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:38f527b7.0406151717.6e8abedb@posting.google.c om...
> "serg" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>...
> > thanks for the journal! i'm getting back in the water too-after not much
> > swimming my whole life. just swan last night for the first time in
about 10
> > years-could do 100m but then was breathing pretty hard. i'll try using
the
> > advice u got next time. i'll be doing the tri for fun in pleasanton in
> > august. i need to start swimming a lot though. i've been biking for
the
> > past couple of years so that shouldn't be as bad. running-well, i need
a
> > little work there too but swimming is the first thing on the list. have
fun
> > training!
> >
> > "FFBSensei" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> > news:fe5916f0.0406092155.2e14ec12@posting.google.c om...
> > > Ok, after splashing around like the proverbial fish out of water...the
> > > coaching,reading, and teaching is slowly coming together.
> > >
> > > As a refresher for the uninitiated, I started my swimming training
> > > about 2-3 weeks ago with absolutely no swimming experience whatsoever.
> > > I did the masters program in twice in week 1, once in week 2, a
> > > stroke clinic in week 2, and then took a private lesson today, and
> > > then went out and swam laps for 45 minutes later in the afternoon.
> > >
> > > I was able to go 2-3 lengths before I felt like I was going to have a
> > > heart attack. Some of my bad habits:
> > >
> > > 1) no trunk rotation (all arms)
> > > 2) swimming like a barge rather than a fish
> > > 3) not breathing correctly
> > > 4) Keeping my head WAY out of the water (causing my legs and body to
> > > drag)
> > > 5) Weak rotation on my left (non-dominant side)
> > > 6) And when i was rotating my trunk, my feet were not rotating
> > > 7) Not pressing the T nor snapping the hands through using my
> > > shoulders and the rest of my body.
> > > 8) Kicking way too fast
> > >
> > > Week two was a bit discouraging because I was trying to focus on all
> > > of these things at once and not getting a good sense of timing. Week
> > > 3 I have yet to do a masters program (that will be tomorrow), but
> > > figured my form and technique needed to be a focus earlier.
> > >
> > > After my private lesson and doing some drills with the instructor,
> > > helped to remind me about the trunk rotation and my head. And then I
> > > hit the pool later and its made SUCH a difference. By focusing on
> > > pressing the T, keeping my head down, slowing my kicking, the
> > > breathing tends to take care of itself. I was able to swim 4-6
> > > lengths and not only not feel like I was going to have a heart attack,
> > > but could continue on. At some point, I still need to rest or my form
> > > goes out the window BUT at least I am now cognizant of what I am doing
> > > wrong. Lifting my head seems to be the start of many of my problems.
> > >
> > > I did one timed lap and I was able to do two lengths in 1:29. I'm
> > > going to try and slow down and continue to build up longevity. I've
> > > got my masters program tomorrow, and then Friday, I'm going to try and
> > > do 16 lengths without stopping and time myself.
> > >
> > > Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 lessons and then, I'm going to do laps
> > > afterwards and then my masters program on tuesday/thursday. Once I
> > > can get my swimming base up to 16 lengths, I can start timing myself
> > > and counting my strokes/kicks. I'm going to try and run 3 days a week
> > > and bike 2x a week after next week.
> > >
> > > Its hard to try and find time to train with the 3 small children...but
> > > the training aspect does have an addictive quality about it. I'm also
> > > playing volleyball and tennis outside of the tri stuff...so trying to
> > > make sure I balance everything with work/family life.
> > >
> > > I've appreciated all of the support and advice from people in the
> > > newsgroup. I ordered the book Total Immersion and that should be
> > > arriving this week as well...
> > >
> > > Seize the day...onward and upward!
> > >
> > > sensei (aka newbie)
> \
>
> What is "pressing the T"?

After you let the T-bags steep. You press them to get that last little bit
of T out of them.

a.

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Hi Greg,

Well seeing as i have all of 3 weeks of swimming experience... ;)

One of my biggest (and from what I read, others new to swimming as
well) bad habits is swimming out of "balance".

When I first started to swim, I swam with my head up...which caused my
legs to drop...so I was swimming with my body at an angle (head
bobbing on the surface...feet trailing at an angle under the water).
This is a terribly inefficient way to position to body since the body
is dragging across the water (vertically through the water if you
will).

In reading, Total Immersion, and in listening to my coaches/swim
instructors...the ideal is to be balanced in the water...with your
head down in the water...your legs can then rise to the top of the
water (thus achieving balance). One of the methods for remembering
this is called "pressing the T".

Think of one axis as going through the top of your head and through
your toes...the other axis is across your shoulder. These two lines
make up a T.

One of the exercises is to have a friend put their elbow on your
sternum and their wrist on your chin. You should then try to push
your sternum and chin against your friend's forearm/wrist so that
there is even pressure. You should get the sensation of leaning
forward with the top half of your body/head. Try to remember that
sensation, which is called "pressing the T". The goal is to press the
T during your freestyle...which will result in a more efficient
stroke, and less effort. You should be able to lower your stroke
count, glide during the recovery (since you aren't dragging your body
vertically) and achieve a more fish-like shape, rather than a barge.

I still forget to do it mind you, or i don't do it when I'm
tired...but at least I know the sensation of what it feels like and
can remind myself when i start to feel myself dragging through the
water and swimming inefficiently.

> \
>
> What is "pressing the T"?
>
> Greg

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote:

much good stuff omitted...

Try to remember that
> sensation, which is called "pressing the T". The goal is to press the
> T during your freestyle...which will result in a more efficient
> stroke, and less effort. You should be able to lower your stroke
> count, glide during the recovery (since you aren't dragging your body
> vertically) and achieve a more fish-like shape, rather than a barge.
>
> I still forget to do it mind you, or i don't do it when I'm
> tired...but at least I know the sensation of what it feels like and
> can remind myself when i start to feel myself dragging through the
> water and swimming inefficiently.

i learned to swim in winter of 2002, and i still sometimes have to work
at remembering about this "pressing the T" or "pressing the buoy" (the
term I had learned. generally i'm pretty good about it, but if i
suddenly find i'm slowing down and working too hard to get not very far,
then i'll assess my body position. and nearly every time, it's a matter
of the body tilting with the legs dragging downward... even just a
little bit. and this slows ya down.

so i just remember the concept you mentioned, and presto! i'm back to
slipping through the water effortlessly.

best of luck in your swimming,

Cam

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (FFBSensei) wrote in message news:<fe5916f0.0406161700.1ea65ccc@posting.google. com>...
> Hi Greg,
>
> Well seeing as i have all of 3 weeks of swimming experience... ;)
>
> One of my biggest (and from what I read, others new to swimming as
> well) bad habits is swimming out of "balance".
>
> When I first started to swim, I swam with my head up...which caused my
> legs to drop...so I was swimming with my body at an angle (head
> bobbing on the surface...feet trailing at an angle under the water).
> This is a terribly inefficient way to position to body since the body
> is dragging across the water (vertically through the water if you
> will).
>
> In reading, Total Immersion, and in listening to my coaches/swim
> instructors...the ideal is to be balanced in the water...with your
> head down in the water...your legs can then rise to the top of the
> water (thus achieving balance). One of the methods for remembering
> this is called "pressing the T".
>
> Think of one axis as going through the top of your head and through
> your toes...the other axis is across your shoulder. These two lines
> make up a T.
>
> One of the exercises is to have a friend put their elbow on your
> sternum and their wrist on your chin. You should then try to push
> your sternum and chin against your friend's forearm/wrist so that
> there is even pressure. You should get the sensation of leaning
> forward with the top half of your body/head. Try to remember that
> sensation, which is called "pressing the T". The goal is to press the
> T during your freestyle...which will result in a more efficient
> stroke, and less effort. You should be able to lower your stroke
> count, glide during the recovery (since you aren't dragging your body
> vertically) and achieve a more fish-like shape, rather than a barge.
>
> I still forget to do it mind you, or i don't do it when I'm
> tired...but at least I know the sensation of what it feels like and
> can remind myself when i start to feel myself dragging through the
> water and swimming inefficiently.
>
>
> > \
> >
> > What is "pressing the T"?
> >
> > Greg

Thanks and good timing. I did a 1/2 Iron last weekend. The swim was in
a lake, no wetsuit, and, in a battle to not be almost last in the
swim, I noticed the guy I was going stroke for stroke with had his
shoulders out of the water. Later I asked my training partner if I do
the same thing, and she said "Yes". Obvioulsy this guy and I do not
press the T. In salt water, in a wetsuit, I am much more horizontal,
and faster, but I did not know how to achieve that in a pool. I think
part of it is not wanting to be too far away from oxygen, since I am
not very bouyant in fresh water. I'll work on it this weekend. Thanks.

Greg

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

While you should be pressing the T, (my coaches tell me) that you
should never be swimming horizontal in the water, but rather rotating
on the long axis. So, chin/sternum pressing into the water, but your
shoulders/legs should be rotating on that axis...so that your body is
sideways (lengthwise) in the water (like a fish).

Check out Total Immersion, Terry does a MUCH better job of explaining
it and illustrating that point.
> Thanks and good timing. I did a 1/2 Iron last weekend. The swim was in
> a lake, no wetsuit, and, in a battle to not be almost last in the
> swim, I noticed the guy I was going stroke for stroke with had his
> shoulders out of the water. Later I asked my training partner if I do
> the same thing, and she said "Yes". Obvioulsy this guy and I do not
> press the T. In salt water, in a wetsuit, I am much more horizontal,
> and faster, but I did not know how to achieve that in a pool. I think
> part of it is not wanting to be too far away from oxygen, since I am
> not very bouyant in fresh water. I'll work on it this weekend. Thanks.
>
> Greg