I didn't know whether I should post this on the "Swim Happy" thread or my thread, How do I train 400 IM without losing sprint speed? - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums , so I decided to start a new one, instead. :D
As I mentioned on my other thread, I attempted a 200 fly and was thrilled to be able to do it. My next self-challenge was to see just how much fly I could swim. :afraid: So, I tried it today, my 6th day of swimming in a row which is always my recovery day. (My recovery days are usually Saturdays, but I took last Monday off, instead of Sunday.)
Today, I did my typical 6th swim day routine: Arrive at the pool without a planned workout, see how I feel, and only use my watch for monitoring heart rates and rest intervals; no racing the clock! But, I brought along my camera, just in case I was in the mood to attempt my fly self-challenge.
After 1,600 yards of various free and back (no breaststroke today; I did Allen's 100 & 200 breaststroke training yesterday), I decided to give it a go; much to the chagrin of my husband who was enlisted to film me.
I lost track after 300 yards (300! :ohyeah:), but I kept going, knowing I could watch the video and count it up later. I wish I would have kept track, because I ended up doing 900 yards and felt like I could have kept going! :bliss: But, I got that if looks could kill look from my husband/videographer who, I'm sure, was tired of holding the camera. And, when I did finish, he :bitching:, because he was afraid I would injure my shoulders again.
By now, I can just hear y'all (Geek?) out there doubting me. You don't believe any of this, right?:lmao: Well, kick back:popcorn: and check this out: http://youtu.be/4fmP1szg4mo It's not pretty; especially at the beginning, before I relaxed and settled in. And, I'll have to warn you, it took me over 20 minutes. :bed:
Here are my splits, copied from my FLOG:
Total time: 20:30
100 yd Splits (+/-):
100- 2:02
200- 2:10
300- 2:17
400- 2:21
500- 2:20
600- 2:17
700- 2:20
800- 2:23
900- 2:20
So, today, I lived up to Ande's nickname for me: Elaine-iaK. Guilty as charged! :groovy:
P.S. I know it was ugly; I have a long way to go to get my technique up to speed. And, I have a long way to go to get my speed up to speed! But, today, I needed to rest my legs after yesterday's breaststroke workout, so I barely kicked. And, I had to go way off my :39, 50 fly PB to survive. BUT, I welcome feedback; especially constructive criticism on how I can improve my stroke. THANKS!
OMG, Elaine, how is your NECK?? :cane: You are a beast!
My neck feels great, as do my shoulders! And, I have degenerative discs at C5-C6, as well as osteophytes. (I was rear-ended at full speed, back in 1992, and had to wear a Philadelphia collar for six months; one of those HUGE neck braces.)
I used to prefer side breathing fly, but it just got too painful for my neck. Breathing to the front was even worse- until I learned to look down when I breathe. It makes a world of difference! I used to hate breathing in fly, because it was much more comfortable on my neck not to, but I also learned I needed air- on every stroke- in order to last more than 50 yards.
Anyway, thank you. Being a "beast" in this context is a good thing! After all, my husband does call me, "Aqua Dog"! :bliss:
Elanie, here's a new challenge for you - en.wikipedia.org/.../Julie_Bradshaw
She first swam the English Channel at the age of 15 and in 2002 did it again using the swimming stroke Butterfly , which she completed in 14 hours 18 minutes.
:bow:
:banana::applaud:You are my new hero!! WOW !! Well done! And I thought I did well at finally making 100 yards of fly today for the first time! Lol!:afraid:
I'm inspired and working on my fly as a result! Way to go Elaine!:cheerleader:
:banana::applaud:You are my new hero!! WOW !! Well done! And I thought I did well at finally making 100 yards of fly today for the first time! Lol!:afraid:
I'm inspired and working on my fly as a result! Way to go Elaine!:cheerleader:
Congratulations, J! :applaud: It wasn't all that long ago when I finally made my first 100 yards. Trust me on this; you can build up to doing more. Stay relaxed, breathe on every stroke, don't kick too hard, and, as Ande says, "Ride the glide". I followed his advice (I'm still not too successful on some of it, though) and it worked! I know you can do it! :agree:
Keep us posted on your progress, ok? Before you know it, you'll be a Butternut, too! :D
Very impressive! As a bonus, it appears that your butterfly scares away all the noodlers. :banana:
It was Sunday; the noodlers were either at church :carolers: or :bed: or :turkey:. Next time, I think I will do it on Monday at 9:00 AM. :worms: :chug: :D
Elanie, here's a new challenge for you - en.wikipedia.org/.../Julie_Bradshaw
:bow:
I saw a video of her swim when I did a google on distance butterfly. She is AMAZING! It makes my 2,000 yards seem :lmao:Can you imagine swimming MILES of fly? :afraid:
