Distance Runner trying to get into the Swimming Groove
Former Member
Hey there,
I'm a distance runner and want to start swimming - the way it's meant to be done.
Right now, I am ridiculously slow at the freestyle and backstroke. When I feel like I'm moving at a reasonable speed I look to the lane next to me and see a guy moving effortlessly, just gliding through the water, 3x as fast as me.
I don't know why I move so slowly. I've watched videos and it just seems like I get none of that fluid propulsion forward.
I also get out of breath extremely quickly, it seems. I run a 5K in 16:18 and it's a struggle completing 100 yards in the pool.
Lastly - I can not make sense of this - it seems that my breathing is just fine until I make that first turn - and then, counterintuitively, after I take that breath and flip around I feel like I'm out of breath, and the rest of the way is a struggle.
I don't know how to breaststroke or butterfly at all. I suppose I'll leave that for later...
Suggestions?? Thoughts??
Join a Masters team and get coached. You are probably in terrific shape - you just need to learn how to swim correctly and how to relax in the water. Being a runner, ankle flexibility is likely an issue - work on being able to point your toes and keep your kick small, fast and from the hip (not the knees).
Join a Masters team and get coached. You are probably in terrific shape - you just need to learn how to swim correctly and how to relax in the water. Being a runner, ankle flexibility is likely an issue - work on being able to point your toes and keep your kick small, fast and from the hip (not the knees).