:drowning:
Yes, that's how I feel when there's any kickboard set. I know this kind of thing is good for me, but it's hair-tearing frustrating to do this. I know that there are techniques--kick from the hips, keep legs straight, etc. But even making my best effort at doing these things, I am beyond :frustrated: ... and it may be that as the frustration level rose, I tensed more and found it harder (telling self, "you idiot--others are doing this... why can't you?" which of course doesn't help, so I have to focus on my own workout).
Well, mostly the others are wearing fins, so that helped me somewhat to know that it wasn't just me. So I'm thinking I'll order a pair, but first two questions:
1. If you can recommend any videos or offer any tips that would help, that would be great;
2. Those who use fins: which ones have worked best for you?
Thanks for your suggestions. You could single-handedly save my kick. Is that not a good cause? ;)
Thanks, all, for the comments!
So I see there are some mixed opinions on the value of fins. I sometimes think maybe just do a streamline and take a breath as needed (or a pull, as one coach recommended--problem with that is that one pull ends up being too soon followed by another). I do sometimes just do back kick, but this practice was a little crowded with minimal lane lines so I didn't want to risk clonking someone. By myself, I do sometimes switch to back kick, though. That does feel better, as if I'm, in fact, moving. ;)
I've upped the yards a lot lately b/c of preparing for a long open water swim, so my shoulders/upper arms might welcome the break that fins could give me--and I'm old enough not to have illusions about my real speed (or lack thereof). ;) Using a pull buoy for some sets (only those for which the coach prescribes them--I don't want to get addicted) gives me a bit of that illusion, and I enjoy the fantasy.
Flystorms... thanks for your thoughts and I do like that you share my appreciation for good beer, and I'm going to suggest the swim-up bar idea to the coach... you know... for carbs and hydration lol!--tho actually I'm a beer woman. :)
Secondheart, lol re naked practices, although I'm sure they'd be for me. The birthday suit makes me look fat. ;)
Thanks, all, for the comments!
So I see there are some mixed opinions on the value of fins. I sometimes think maybe just do a streamline and take a breath as needed (or a pull, as one coach recommended--problem with that is that one pull ends up being too soon followed by another). I do sometimes just do back kick, but this practice was a little crowded with minimal lane lines so I didn't want to risk clonking someone. By myself, I do sometimes switch to back kick, though. That does feel better, as if I'm, in fact, moving. ;)
I've upped the yards a lot lately b/c of preparing for a long open water swim, so my shoulders/upper arms might welcome the break that fins could give me--and I'm old enough not to have illusions about my real speed (or lack thereof). ;) Using a pull buoy for some sets (only those for which the coach prescribes them--I don't want to get addicted) gives me a bit of that illusion, and I enjoy the fantasy.
Flystorms... thanks for your thoughts and I do like that you share my appreciation for good beer, and I'm going to suggest the swim-up bar idea to the coach... you know... for carbs and hydration lol!--tho actually I'm a beer woman. :)
Secondheart, lol re naked practices, although I'm sure they'd be for me. The birthday suit makes me look fat. ;)
