General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training. Rss Feed  
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2006-03-24 1:21 PM

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West Henrietta, NY
Subject: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.

Ok, I know I'll get many opinions on what to do here, but if you place an opinion please tell why you think it's a good way to move ahead with swim training.

My freestyle is terrible.  I can manage 2:05-2:10 per 100yds using my sidestroke.  At the peak last season was was doing 1:55-2:00 per 100yds with my sidestroke.  I have several paths I could take from here.

1.  I have the TI book and DVD, I can do the first drill fairly well in my opinion, but not sure I would say I've mastered it yet.  Plan One would be to continue working on these drills exclusively.

2.  I can manage one length in the pool freestyle before I need to rest.  My form isn't that great and I'm in terrible 'swim' shape right now.  Plan Two would be to swim freestyle and rest between each length, working on my form and fitness.

3.  Plan Three would be to work about half the workout on my freestyle, with rest after each length and then do a continue sidestroke swim for the remaining time in the pool.

4.  Plan Four would be to say screw the freestyle right now, work on the continuous swim using sidestroke and get into better shape and then return to the TI drills and my freestyle.

Ok, please provide all your opinions but support your opinions with reasons why you believe one of these or something different is the best course of action.  Yes, I know a Master's class or such would be best, but at this time it isn't an option.

Thanks,

Chris.



2006-03-24 1:27 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Boulder, Colorado
Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.

Chris

First off a 2:10/100 pace is pretty good.

Secondly - if you can mix freestyle in with sidestroke and swim contuously for a period of time, that's better than swimming free, resting a minute, swim free, rest etc.

I would suggest getting a coach to work with you on freestyle. Don't give up on the freestyle and don't swim all sidestroke either. Just keep working at it until you have to do less and less sidestroke recovery laps - you'll get there - just focus on the end goal of swimming your goal swim distance 100% freestyle.

I hope this helps.

2006-03-24 1:56 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Medina, MN
Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.
What he said, I agree.
2006-03-24 2:02 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Master
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Athens, Ga.
Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.
I agree with Mike. Last year when I started back swimming, I would go as far as I could freestyle and then swim breast stroke the rest of the distance. After an intensive December swim challenge, I've gotten freestyle down again.
How often are you swimming? You might to up the frequency, especially if swimming is your weakest sport and you've got biking and running down.
Something else to consider - get a pull buoy. It keeps your legs stable and allows you to work on your arms without your kick getting in the way.
And last, watch other swimmers. See how they're doing it. Try to mimic their skills. And if you make friends with other people at the pool, you could ask one of them to analyze your freestyle and give you pointers.
2006-03-24 2:40 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.
Mike is so smart!
2006-03-24 3:52 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.

I agree too with everyone else.  Just keep working on the freestyle and it will come but use side stroke as a resting stroke in the meantime.  BTW, 2:05 100s doing side stroke?  That's actually not bad at all!

If it helps any, I was in a somewhat similiar situation last summer.  I was a swimmer up through freshmen year in college but I hadn't been near a pool in close to 20 years (boy, I feel old).  When I started swimming again I could barely swim 50 yards freestyle but I could get by with breaststroke.  I just gradually increased the amount of freestyle I could swim and used breaststroke as my resting stroke.  It took time (6 months) but in January, I was actually able to swim 2 miles with continuous freestyle!

GOOD LUCK!!!



2006-03-24 6:09 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Master
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Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.

Mike's right!

I would stick with TI.  It will all come together.  Find a TI coach on-line or get a buddy and coach each other (using book and DVD).  Stick with it...it can be frustrating but if it were easy, everyone would do it.

Keep the faith.

 

2006-03-24 9:13 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.
"Freestyle" means you can swim ANY way you want, including sidestroke.

If you bag front-crawl for practice, when will you ever try to get better at it?

If you have a race coming and need to be fit enough to complete it, then focus on sidestroke.

Do you have access to adult lessons?

Once you've determined what you want out of swim practice, then you'll know what you should do. I second Mike Ricci's suggestion to swim as much as you can and gradually work more crawl and less sidestroke into your workouts.

2006-04-04 12:42 PM
in reply to: #379117

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West Henrietta, NY
Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.

Thanks for all the replies.  Something happened today so I figured I'd post an update.  I ran into the swim coach today after my crappy swim workout and was looking to see if he knew of a student or someone that could help me a bit.  Well, short story even shorter, I got me a new swim coach.  The Swim Coach is going to help me out during my afternoon workouts.

Another benefit to working at the college.

Chris.

2006-04-04 12:52 PM
in reply to: #378763

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Master
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Athens, Ga.
Subject: RE: Wanted: Opinions on Swim Training.
That rocks! You couldn't ask for a better coach, most likely. I expect you to bust out some awesome times, now
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