Hello!
There is one thing about competitive swimming that I've been having trouble with and I need some advice.
I absolutely love competing in yards - did it in middle school, high school, and college. I didn't start swimming LCM until high school and I've been almost "scared" of it ever since then. When I swim in a yard pool (or even a SCM pool) - I'm fine and I feel fast. When I get in a LCM pool... I feel so SLOW and like someone is holding me back. I don't know if I'm playing head games with myself or what. Water is water. I feel like a different swimmer in a LCM pool and I don't like it. I almost dread practicing in one - why would a swimmer do that? I love swimming!?!?!?! If anyone has experienced this - I'd really appreciate some words of wisdom!
Thanks!
Sarah :p
Parents
Former Member
Since I can not swim the 200 free in under two minutes I will postulate an answer for this thread. That is the nice thing about America everyone can have an idea.
I agree the transition to a 50 meter pool from a 25 yard pool is tough. Mental is a big component but I also think there is a physical reason. In addition to the turns and push offs one has to also include the resting of the stroking muscles, during the turn and glide.
When one turns a different set of muscles is used and your body gets a very short rest from using the stroking muscles. This short rest gives your body a chance to rest and recover from swimming the length of the pool. In addition to the turning phase the gliding phase uses a different set of muscles and your body gets more rest for the stroking muscles. That short rest then allows you to drive for the other end as you surface. Emmett can explain the ATP and Krebs cycle stuff, I hope.
Your nervous system also would distribute the blood and oxygen in a different pattern while turning, possibly removing some of the chemical wastes your body in generating. The human mind is very quick to react to precieved needs and problems to always keep your body at it's optimum performance.
Have a great day
Paul
Since I can not swim the 200 free in under two minutes I will postulate an answer for this thread. That is the nice thing about America everyone can have an idea.
I agree the transition to a 50 meter pool from a 25 yard pool is tough. Mental is a big component but I also think there is a physical reason. In addition to the turns and push offs one has to also include the resting of the stroking muscles, during the turn and glide.
When one turns a different set of muscles is used and your body gets a very short rest from using the stroking muscles. This short rest gives your body a chance to rest and recover from swimming the length of the pool. In addition to the turning phase the gliding phase uses a different set of muscles and your body gets more rest for the stroking muscles. That short rest then allows you to drive for the other end as you surface. Emmett can explain the ATP and Krebs cycle stuff, I hope.
Your nervous system also would distribute the blood and oxygen in a different pattern while turning, possibly removing some of the chemical wastes your body in generating. The human mind is very quick to react to precieved needs and problems to always keep your body at it's optimum performance.
Have a great day
Paul
