! - Triathlon Week

trimom · 01-19-2003, 03:36 PM

I've been swimming since I was a little kid and am a strong swimmer. Believing there's always room for improvement, I just took a Total Immersion swimming lesson. Really cool! So many steps, though. I can see where it's all leading, but, was wondering how long it's taken other swimmers for it to "click"? Did it work? Let me know what you think! Thanks!!

Robert G. · 01-20-2003, 03:24 PM

Trimom,

I haven't taken a Total Immersion class exactly, but I have trained with a coach that taught very similar methods.

At times I felt like I was trying to remember everything I had to do instead of just swimming, but as I progessed I wouldn't think so much about it and then only notice if my form was way out of whack.

I guess it took me a couple of weeks... I would be swimming and realize that I was not "pressing the bouy" or keeping my head down, and then correct it.

trimom · 01-20-2003, 05:32 PM

So how does it feel? Are your times noticeably faster? Are you swimming easier/smoother/more efficiently? Thanks! :)

Robert G. · 01-21-2003, 11:21 AM

I didn't notice a huge change, but my swim times were a bit faster and I didn't feel as tired getting out of the water. I am aware of trying to take long strokes and really rotate onto my sides.

I've just started swimming again this season and I am slow again, but I imagine it will build up.

trimom · 02-04-2003, 02:53 PM

Hi Robert! I just came back from an awesome multisport.com training camp; the swimming instruction was similar to the TI swimming but with alot less steps...I actually got it! What a difference. We were taught a number of drills (similar to TI...kicking on side, one arm freestyle, catch up free, then a faster catch up free). In workouts since returning from the camp, I have incorporated the drills into my warm up, and by the time I reach the main set I've got it. The last day of the camp we had a mini race (400yd swim, 5k run) my swim time was 30 sec. faster than my previously timed 400's. Not bad!!!!!!

Griz · 02-04-2003, 09:56 PM

Good job! I would love to do a tri camp this season.

I just got home from my masters swim and man It's a tough workout. I'm so used to freestyle-only swimming, and they had us doing lots of breast and butterfly drills. I'm sure it's good for my overall swimming, but it feels so foreign to me... my HR was through the roof with the breast stroke drills.

trimom · 02-05-2003, 04:18 AM

I swam Master's for a couple of years (before competing in tri's), but, with kids at home had a really hard time making it to the workouts (either too early in the morning or too late in the evening). About 6 months ago I subscribed to wintheswim.com for pool workouts. I've been really impressed with the program!!! The feedback from the coach has also been great, and his responses to my questions have been quick and very helpful.

It's funny what you said with regard to the breast stroke! I was a breaststroker for so many years, and freestyle was soooo exhausting for me. Now, my workouts are 99% free and free drills, however, I'll throw a couple of 50's of breast in for my cool down, and just laugh, because my heart rate sky rockets instead of recovers...oh well...I still love swimming breast stroke!!! My first tri was early last summer, and as I jumped in the bay for the swim start, the thunder and pouring rain began. About 200 yds out I started to flip out...couldn't see a thing, lightening and thunder, really choppy water, lots of fog. Thank God for the breast stroke!!!! Kept my head up and actually glided by many other swimmers until I got my bearings and my nerves settled (really close to the swim exit!!)..... so IMO it's very beneficial to be able to swim another stroke!!!!!

The tri camp was a blast!!! I was in such a training rut before I went, and have come back feeling wonderful. First time in years (maybe ever) that I've had a totally self indulgent week. Recommend it highly!!!

If you're interested, the website for the swim program is: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and the site for the camp is [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] Have fun!!!!