Greetings folks
I swam and timed my first mile today. Right at 33 minutes. I'm writing for three reasons: to toot my horn, to see where some of you might suggest I apply myself, and to thank you.
The thanks first: when I first joined this discussion I did so because my physical thearapist said I couldn't run any longer. I've always hated swimming. Three months have since elapsed and I've got the bug. I swim at least three times each week for an hour. I'd swim everyday if I had the time. I just love it. I jones if I can't swim two days back to back. And I owe a great deal to the contributers of this board for pumping me up.
The toot my horn bit: What a stud I am. I'm faster than any of you 34 minute milers.Seriously, how does a 32 minute mile compare to other 36 y.o. recreational swimmers? I didn't do flip turns; if I learned them a little better, how much time would I shave?
Lastly, my goal is to continue to develop as a fitness swimmer while learning about open water and possibly sprinting. I'm planning to do the Alcatraz sharkfest this July. Any suggestions for taking it from the pool to open water?
Thanks again.
Good job!about flip turns, I am actually faster on anything over a 200 without them. The extra gulp of air and the longer streamline I am able to get on each open turn really helps.
I've learned them in the last 2 years, but still tend to do open turns on distance.
I've never done open water, so can't help you there.
The first time I did a 1650 was a year ago, right around 31 minutes. I have since shaved 5 minutes off, so you are bound to improve by alot.
Nice! Feels good to swim a continuous mile for the first time.
Don't worry about the filp turns. I have been working on them too, and they aren't easy. If you are training for open water, the turns don't seem like they mean much to you anyway. I swim for exercise and weight loss three or four times a week. I can do flip turns, but not well so I don't do them regularly. For me, I find that the extra breath you get at the end of each length when doing an open turn makes a big difference.
Lefty is right on here. Adding flips will seriously bring your time down AND will dramatically improve your endurance. The process of adding flips to your workout will also improve stroke and breath mechanics. You lose all your momentum by crashing into the wall, flailing yourself the other way and pushing off.
I can be just as fast as someone in a straight swim but the race is won on the turns.
Congrats! and welcome to the softer world of water (I never could handle the pounding of running). I'm not much of a distance swimmer but do compete in a once-a-year marathon where there is a 1650 pool swim and a 1.15 mile lake swim. To aid in the transition from the pool to the lake I usually count strokes and try to develop a cadence to keep my pace.
Keep swimming, it's great fitness!
It sounds to me that you are a competitive person, so straight up I'll tell you the easiest was to get alot faster will be to learn how to do efficient flip turns. Keep this in mind, not only do you save time by doing to the flip, you are also in a more streamlined and ready for the push off. You will probably drop 2 minutes in a mile (that is 2-3 seconds per wall). So do it.
compares pretty good..well done..i'm 37only just and on sat i did 1500metres at 31 mins(appx mile) and i've done quite a few over the past year.i hope to get down to 25 mins this year.
