I stopped swimming competitively at age 14 (in Australia), but kept swimming for fun, to stay in shape etc... Then 5 years ago, at age 33 (in Italy), I joined the local masters swim squad – there was no qualified coach and most of the swimmers had started swimming (self-taught) in their adult years.
I looked around for workouts, discovered drills, everyone’s technique drastically needed working on and I took on the unqualified role of drill coach. – at least times improved!
Then last year I moved to Spain – the club I joined has no masters team – and I swim alone. I’d like to know if anyone has any advice for training alone, how to keep up motivation, and is it possible to improve times?
Recently my motivation has been ‘ya gotta swim fast to swim fast’ – I love it, it’s so easy to recall as I slow down and fall into that comfort zone – thanks to whoever coined the phrase.
I’ve been following Michael Collins’ workouts which I never (rarely) get bored with – that’s also a big help and probably half of the battle – although I nearly died the first couple of weeks trying to keep yard times to a meter pool!.
A big problem is feedback. I like TI, probably because I feel it natural – and since I found info on it (6 mos) I’ve working on improving my style
I do 800 meters in 11’20 (25mt pool) and vary between 15-16 strokes per lap – is this good, bad, or in between? I’m 5ft3+1/2 if this makes any difference.
I can’t get under this time – I feel I’ve got the strokes down, I drill in practice, technique is always on my mind but I can’t get faster (I know I’m not getting younger, but..) Also little is mentioned about the kick – how do you kick in TI – or does it just flow on from the stroke?
:)
Parents
Former Member
In answer to your questions:
1) Last year I was being coached, but this year our team is coachless... some lanemates give me advice on my strokes. This I know doesn't help you...As for references, there's no one or two articles that "did it" for me; instead I've gleaned bits of useful info. by perusing the web. I also subscibe to "Swim" and "Swim Technique" which have had some good articles.
Could you get someone to videotape your stroke? Get them to videotape you "head on" so you can see where your hand is entering, and hopefully where and how you "catch" the water. Aslo get them to tape you from the side so you can see where your hand exits the water and if you fishtail instead of roll. I know I spent months believing I had a long stroke; then I watched a videotape and realized what it feels like I'm doing and what I'm actually doing can be two different things.
2) Even if you can't push off the wall hard yet, you can improve the efficiency of glide to stroke changeover. Don't breath off the turn! And flexibility will help you out.
3)I don't know why a faster kick on your breath stroke would make you roll over; are you turning your head to breathe or are you twisting at the torso to get your mouth out of the water? Maybe try pressing on the "T" more to give yourself stability. Maybe 6 kicks are too many for your breath stroke; maybe 4 would be better?
4) Mark's comments about breaking down your race into components is good. As well, I will swim sets of shorter distances (ie, 25 and 50s to practice for the 100) and try to pace myself. For example, in a set of 10 x 50, Î will descend the first five, then hold my fast pace for the last five. After fully recovering I'll do a 100, aiming to have a time that is two times my fast 50 time. Sometimes I can do it; other times I'm happy knowing that as it's masters swimming, I won't be cut from the team if I don't make certain times...
In answer to your questions:
1) Last year I was being coached, but this year our team is coachless... some lanemates give me advice on my strokes. This I know doesn't help you...As for references, there's no one or two articles that "did it" for me; instead I've gleaned bits of useful info. by perusing the web. I also subscibe to "Swim" and "Swim Technique" which have had some good articles.
Could you get someone to videotape your stroke? Get them to videotape you "head on" so you can see where your hand is entering, and hopefully where and how you "catch" the water. Aslo get them to tape you from the side so you can see where your hand exits the water and if you fishtail instead of roll. I know I spent months believing I had a long stroke; then I watched a videotape and realized what it feels like I'm doing and what I'm actually doing can be two different things.
2) Even if you can't push off the wall hard yet, you can improve the efficiency of glide to stroke changeover. Don't breath off the turn! And flexibility will help you out.
3)I don't know why a faster kick on your breath stroke would make you roll over; are you turning your head to breathe or are you twisting at the torso to get your mouth out of the water? Maybe try pressing on the "T" more to give yourself stability. Maybe 6 kicks are too many for your breath stroke; maybe 4 would be better?
4) Mark's comments about breaking down your race into components is good. As well, I will swim sets of shorter distances (ie, 25 and 50s to practice for the 100) and try to pace myself. For example, in a set of 10 x 50, Î will descend the first five, then hold my fast pace for the last five. After fully recovering I'll do a 100, aiming to have a time that is two times my fast 50 time. Sometimes I can do it; other times I'm happy knowing that as it's masters swimming, I won't be cut from the team if I don't make certain times...
