Newbie swim journal: week 6 - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Well, the last couple of weeks have sort of been lost for me. My
family went on vacation and then this past week, I was only able to
get into the pool once. I got into a car accident earlier in the week
and that held up my training for a bit...nothing serious, but just one
of those annoying accidents resulting in a stiff neck and back.

Finally got into the pool yesterday, even with my stiff neck. The
swimming actually seemed to help me loosen it up a bit. Even after
not being in a pool for a couple of weeks, I was able to swim for
about 45 minutes. I did some interval training - fast 100's, followed
by some slow 100's.

Mainly focusing again on keeping my head down, and trying to keep the
separation to a minimum between my head and left arm when I breathe.
I know I should be trying to work on breathing every 3 strokes and
alternating sides on my breaths...but for some reason, I just find it
difficult to do.

After about 10 minutes of warmups and intervals, I swam the 400 yard
distance of the upcoming sprint triathlon. I went from 10:50 to 10:30
a few weeks ago. I was able to swim the 16 lengths in about
10:10...and while still slow, it felt good to shave off 20 seconds off
my previous time. Again, I haven't really been focusing on speed, but
more technique and form.

I also tried to concentrate on my kicking, because its the oddest
thing really. As I am breathing, I find that my legs stop kicking
causing me to sink. So i have this sort of bobbing action going on.

My average stroke count is about 20-21 - about a stroke or 2 less than
a few weeks ago. I was watching this one swimmer next to me, he was
averaging about 31 strokes per length - I got tired just watching him!

I found it interesting watching the other swimmers, a range from very
competent to not very good. I think I'll take my camcorder and tripod
out next time... I think it would be interesting to see how I look as
I concentrate on different aspects.

In my effort to press the T, I found i started just putting my head
WAY down...i think that was a bit extreme. Altho, I did notice when I
made a concerted effort to keep my head down, my feet would break the
surface on my kicks.

My question is how do I improve on my propulsion to increase my speed.
I think right now my time for a 100 is averaging about 2:30. One of
the posters said I should be around 1:30. Besides interval training,
how else can I improve my speed?

Thanks for reading as my saga continues!

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Focus on form. Take a Masters swim class if there is one in the area. I
bet through form improvements, you can improve.

I was at 18:45 for 400 start of the year. Last Tuesday I did 8:20
(TWICE) and the 10:10 in an "easy" swim. It was amazing, I shaved a
whole 65 seconds from my prior speed test.

I think for me, one of the main things was simply REACHING as far as a I
can then making sure I don't cross the middle plane as I bring my stroke
through (i.e. left hand doesn't cross to the RIGHT of the imaginary
center line).

Also, reading through your comments, keeping your head DOWN (try pushing
your CHEST down the head has to follow...) and keep kicking. Doesn't
have to be hard or fast or tiring, just keep those legs moving and it
will keep you from sinking.

Good job and keep up the good work!

--

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

pcs_ronbo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<rN2Ic.53374$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> ...
> Focus on form. Take a Masters swim class if there is one in the area. I
> bet through form improvements, you can improve.
>
> I was at 18:45 for 400 start of the year. Last Tuesday I did 8:20
> (TWICE) and the 10:10 in an "easy" swim. It was amazing, I shaved a
> whole 65 seconds from my prior speed test.
>
> I think for me, one of the main things was simply REACHING as far as a I
> can then making sure I don't cross the middle plane as I bring my stroke
> through (i.e. left hand doesn't cross to the RIGHT of the imaginary
> center line).
>
> Also, reading through your comments, keeping your head DOWN (try pushing
> your CHEST down the head has to follow...) and keep kicking. Doesn't
> have to be hard or fast or tiring, just keep those legs moving and it
> will keep you from sinking.
>
> Good job and keep up the good work!
>
>
>
> --

Question for YOU Newbie. I am one also, and struggle with the legs
dropping thing--even if I press the "T", and kick, and/or pull so hard
with my arms that I plane. Today I discovered something I would like
you to ask your coach about. It also reminded me of something I had
read, but had not "processed". I found it much easier to remain
horizontal if I arched my back--not up like a cat, but the other way,
as though you are projecting your butt upward--as if you had party'ed
all night in Key West with the Village People. ;) If you were
standing, it would be a very Military at attention sort of pose.

This, by the way, is the position that a wetsuit will pull you
into--so it sort of rung true for me--remembering the article I had
read, discovering it myself and noticeing tha the wetsuit pulls me in
the position on my ocean swims.

Ask, and let me know.

Greg