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Post by jen on Sept 13, 2008 15:37:25 GMT -5
So I was very excited to swim this am at the lakewood y which I just joined. However, I just STINK at swimming. It just seems so difficult and tiring to me. I really don't want to give up on the swimming but it's hard to be motivated to go when a couple down and backs and I am ready to be done!! I definitely have endurance in running and biking but how to I work on this swimming thing?!
I know-I plan to take Rob's course but want to get up to being able to swim longer by then to at least make the class worth it
Any tips would be MUCH appreciated!!!
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Post by Aussie Rob on Sept 13, 2008 17:55:39 GMT -5
Clearly you have stupid arms, and the only way to teach stupid arms to do something new is through repetition. In other words....get back in the pool! Now! Don't worry, im sure someone will be along with something thats of actual use to you shortly.
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Post by sidmcmahon on Sept 14, 2008 16:50:38 GMT -5
Jen It is all in the mechanics. You can practice till the cows come home, but if you keep repeating the same stroke, you will get the same results. I do not think you can teach yourself to swim, at least I could not. I had and continue to have the same issues you do. i think you need to get some one on one private lessons, from someone who really knows the mechanics. You can get this by tapes, swim clincs, or private lessons. I take private lessons from Laura Kessler, who has helped many club members. I think her name and number appear on the sponsors web page.
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Post by karming on Sept 14, 2008 17:22:18 GMT -5
I am at best an average swimmer (although I have made steady progress among triathletes). When I first started an Oly distance swim took me 38 minutes (good for 1800 out of 2200 in 1997 Chicago Tri). Since then I have been able to cut it down to about 24 or 25 minutes for 1500. I have noticed the following things (in myself)
1. Joining a Master's class is probably the best thing I could have done in the beginning. If nothing else, doing a workout that the coach deemed was appropriate was better than my deciding on what workout I wanted to do. I tended to do those workouts that I like most (see less painful). Also being in a group makes the swimming more enjoyable. Don't be intimidated by the Masters classes. This was what kept me from going in the beginning. The term Masters just means old folks. There are some really fast folks and many more slow to average pace folks. If you can't swim a particular stroke then you can always do freestyle.
2. This winter I purchased a Vasa trainer (any swim band will work) and worked on proper technique ie. early vertical forearm to catch the water better. Never knew what that meant until this year when I could feel the water on my forearm. Kind of cool. Remember water is many times denser that air so proper technique is key. With the trainer/bands which I started in Jan, I didn't get into the water until May or June (which might have been a little bit later than I should have).
3. This last one has taken me the longest to finally accept. I finally realized that it's not about swimming 1500 meters continuously. It's about technique drills and harder interval sets. For IMKY, none of my sets were ever more than 400-500 meters (which may have occurred once every 2-3 weeks) although my total workouts would reach approx 3000 meters (a few times) with the majority of my swims being approximately 2000-2500 meters (remember this was for IM distance not Oly so your total distance will likely be less). Your body will respond and recover much faster with swim intervals than it does with running/biking intervals. When you actually race, it'll seem much easier.
So take heart. You will improve. It just takes time. It took me 11 years to finally get some of these things into my thick head so hopefully you'll pick it up faster.
Kar-Ming
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Post by MattCollister on Sept 14, 2008 17:52:53 GMT -5
This is all good advice. But it seems to me that you need to just get back in the pool and try more.
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Post by robreddy on Sept 15, 2008 10:38:31 GMT -5
Karming - where did you buy the vasa trainer and HOW MUCH (sorry for bing blunt there)
great training tool - used them in HS and college - but you dont see many in peoples homes
Jen - call me - lets find a time to go to the pool in LW - i can get you started so that by Nov you are ready for swim class
r
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Post by keaveny on Sept 15, 2008 10:46:12 GMT -5
I fully agree with Aussie and Matt. I have been in your situation Jen; actually I may be only slightly ahead of where you are. I got in the pool the first time and felt just like you. I was mad, so I went back in the afternoon, then the next morning, then again the next afternoon. Did this for three days straight (or until I wasn't embarrassed and pissed about finishing my "training" after about six minutes. The better part of my training "session" was spent adjusting my goggles).
It is hard to contemplate joining a Masters Club, or even taking Rob R's class when you can barely do 50m without feeling spent.
Just get back in the pool. There is a lot to be said for just relaxing in the water, timing breaths and generally becoming comfortable. That is what I did and it was enormously profitable for me.
My stroke still sucks, and I am slow but I am comfortable enough to take the next steps in improving. This winter I'll work on mechanics.
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Post by alison on Sept 15, 2008 11:22:29 GMT -5
Vasa trainers are cool, but I would think some simple stretch cords are more financially practical. You can get a set at Walmart/Target for around $20. Why might these be helpful for you? Your arms are not used to doing the motions and using the muscles in the ways you are asking them to. Using stretch cords can help build muscle memory and strength. Set the cords up in front of a mirror, or have a friend watch, to make sure you are keeping your elbows high and your hands around shoulder width apart. BUT, as a beginner swimmer, the thing you are probably battling the most right now is balance and body position. Just because you are at lap swim doesn't necessarily mean you have to swim laps the entire time. Take a few minutes to float and get used to what you have to do in order to get your body horizontal in the water. Kick on your side and make sure your hip is near or breaking the surface of the water. Proper floating is an often overlooked part of swimming, but think about how trivial a wavy lake will feel after you become a master of balance and body position My last suggestion would be to take Rob up on his offer Alison
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Post by sarajean on Sept 15, 2008 12:02:10 GMT -5
Another thought: The Lakewood YMCA offers its members 30-minute private swimming lessons at the cost of $15/lesson (or $70 for 5 lessons).
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Post by Eric on Sept 16, 2008 14:57:45 GMT -5
I'm with "keaveny". I was a crappy swimmer...ask my wife. 25 yards .....pant.pant.pant. 25 yards...pant.pant.pant
Once I got comfortable and learned how to breath things came together. Believe it or not swim breathing is not as easy as it seems. The anxiety of putting your face in the water surely doesn't help.
Don't worry...it will come around.
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Post by gvale on Sept 16, 2008 20:31:53 GMT -5
Jen, Look no further than the SWAT Masters. With minimum of a $5 drop in fee, you can have access to one of the best swim coaches in the area. If you have not already checked out the web site, please look at www.swim4swat.org/
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Post by karming on Sept 16, 2008 20:54:59 GMT -5
Rob,
You can get a Vasa trainer for about 800 bucks. I got the ergometer and it has helped me dramatically. The ergometer costs about as much as a set of nice wheels. One way you can get one for cheaper is to contact Vasa and find out when they are going on the road. Instead of shipping it back to their office in VT, they will sell it cheaper and ship from the expo location. You're welcome to come over and play on it. Given my crazy hours (I drive to work @ 6 am and get home around 6:30-7 pm), this tool has been a life saver. In fact my 1 x 100 yd repeats has dropped approximately 10-15 sec/100 yds after one season. For me, it was mainly due to better technique and strength.
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jbird
Olympic Member
"It's good to be alive'
Posts: 99
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Post by jbird on Sept 22, 2008 9:16:03 GMT -5
I disagree with just spending more time in the pool. Technique is everything. Whether it is stroke or breathing. To continue doing something incorrect you will only get more frustrated. I was able to make vast improvements by just working on my technique. I started slowly and without care of my times. If you are slow but smooth speed will be a by product.
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Post by jen on Sept 22, 2008 15:34:20 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am definitely doing Rob's class. I have gone to the Y a couple of times now and am trying to "go slow and steady" and not think I have to go swim for 30 min continuously. I may look into taking a couple lessons at the Y as well until Rob's class then perhaps joining masters after the new year.
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