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
Former Member
It's been great to read about other people's experiences with Emmett's book. I'll echo Blue Horn and also tell you to try the sets in order, starting at green. Then either add on some 100's or do two sets if you need more.
I was such a lame-arsed swimmer that my first T15 was (cough) 2:25/100 because I had to stop and rest after each 25. And now (well, as of yesterday), I'm down to 1:41! And it feels like I'm swimming *very* slowly. I generally do 13-16 strokes/25, but have hit 12. It is my ultimate goal to be able to hit 12 consistently, and then I'll worry more about speed (I'm 5 feet tall). I've just followed the workout schedules in the back.
Have you tried emailing Emmett or posting a message on his message board? (I forget the URL offhand, but google Emmett Hines and H2ouston).
Keep on, everyone!
Stacey,
That is great! I cannot get down to that few strokes. I was able to get down to 16-18 strokes on some of my drills last night. But once I started to tire out I was back up to the 20 -22 stroke range.
I know Emmett frequents the boards and has a site for his swim group. For the time being I'll probably just continue through the red zone workouts to complete all six zones and see where I am at as far as the swim tests, swim golf and stroke count goes. Then I'll be sure to drop him a line and thank him and tell him how much the book has helped me out.
In the meantime I have no problem being one of the board "guinea pigs" and provide periodic updates on how the program is working for me!
:eek:
Okay I just finished the purple zone. I did a T-15 swim on Sunday and did my first yellow zone workout last night.
When I really work on taking as few strokes as possible, I can get down to 12 or 13 strokes per length. That is tough and I can only typically do one length (25 yards) and need to take a short break before doing another length. When doing regular swimming like T-15 swims, I typically take 16 strokes per length. So my dps has improved a bit.
I was able to work my T-15 cruise pace down to 1:43. My IHR also seemed to drop quite a bit from my previous T-15 swims, so hopefully my endurance is starting to also show some improvement.
