A question for all you Fitness Swimming readers: I've been trying to improve my swimming for sometime now, and based largely upon the advice from members of this forum I purchased Emmett Hines' book Fitness Swimming. I did the T15 test he recommends (swam my 100s at 1:50) and started working through the 'Blue' section of the book. It was hard - not because of the amount of swimming or the drills- because I felt like I wasn't getting as good of a workout as I normally do. Before I moved on to the 'Purple' section of the book, I took the T15 test again and swam 100s in 1:55. I know that I should expect my times to increase before they improve , but when should I begin to see improvements? He mentions 'swimming nirvana' later in the book and I seem to be as far from it as you can be.
Thanks, JP
Yea, our coach makes us do "12 stroke stretches" wherein we have to try and make it to the other wall in 12 strokes or less, counting each hand entry as a stroke.
The trick, at least for those of us in the "slower" lanes is to glide and kick as much as possible. I take two really good strokes, then glide on my side for a couple of yoga breathes, then two more, etc.
We have a few swimmers in the "fastest" lane who routinely do 10-12 strokes per length (freestyle). They are awesome to watch...looks like they aren't even trying, and they come in with 1:10-1:15 for the 100m.
I must say, though, that all your remarks on that book are encouraging. I looked thru it a few years ago and wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. But I'm stuck at about a 1:42 for my 100m, which I'd love to get down to 1:36 (where my wife is, who has been swimming masters for a month, compared to my two years!!!). I may have to pick the book up again and read it thru (and then implement it!)
Yea, our coach makes us do "12 stroke stretches" wherein we have to try and make it to the other wall in 12 strokes or less, counting each hand entry as a stroke.
The trick, at least for those of us in the "slower" lanes is to glide and kick as much as possible. I take two really good strokes, then glide on my side for a couple of yoga breathes, then two more, etc.
We have a few swimmers in the "fastest" lane who routinely do 10-12 strokes per length (freestyle). They are awesome to watch...looks like they aren't even trying, and they come in with 1:10-1:15 for the 100m.
I must say, though, that all your remarks on that book are encouraging. I looked thru it a few years ago and wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. But I'm stuck at about a 1:42 for my 100m, which I'd love to get down to 1:36 (where my wife is, who has been swimming masters for a month, compared to my two years!!!). I may have to pick the book up again and read it thru (and then implement it!)
