A lil update, I've been swimming better and better. Vacation, etc I got a lil sidelined. Also, I had gotten frustrated with trying to learn to bilateral breathe. I stopped that...at least for now. I'm not competing with anyone and it's not fun for me.:p
I can pretty easily swim a length now, r side breathing only. I'm not as concentrated and am a lil more relaxed which makes the whole thing better.
Today, I went into the Y and ran a mile, did some core exercises, then showered and hit the pool. Swam 3 or 4 lengths, then the swimteam came in. I love watching those kids. They're like piranahas when they come in. awesome kids. I got into a converstion with their coach and he gave me some pointers. One thing I can't seem to get at this point is how to make my butt more buoyant. I HATE that pool buoy trick. He said as I focus more on my stroke, that my butt will come up to level anyway. To just keep kicking, but not too big and as I practice it's a natural progression of form. It'll work itself out. Said to learn the backstroke and maybe to do some paddles on my hands. Wants me to learn to "feel the water" more than just be in the water. Well, I've somewhat accomplished what I've started out to do. I am happy but still going at it.
Just wanted to update my new swimbuds.
Mark
Parents
Former Member
Thanks thewookie, that made a HUGE difference in what I was doing. Today was good for me, a "few" times, I actually felt right. I concentrated on looking below me and it automatically threw my body into, I think, a better alignment. I felt my feet break the water a little bit and my butt came up, there wasn't as much resistance and my head tilt was better. It felt easier to make kicks right from the hips/butt and more organized/structured. I was tired, cause I ran a mile and a half on the treadmill before I swam, but my form was good. I broke my swim into 1/2 or 3/4 the pool, rest, then finish the length, several times, probably 5 or 6 total laps. I know that sounds wussy, but I'm gradually building endurance and trying to keep good form, not just splash. I'm in no big hurry, I've already accomplished part of what I wanted. I've only started about a month or so ago, so I'm pleased. Best of all it feels good, especially with my head down more looking at the bottom below me, I guess I was looking in front of me.
I tell you this swimming is great for you. Combining it with what I already do and watching my fat/calorie intake, I've trimmed, I dunno, bout 5 or 6 lbs in a month or two. My clothes fit better, I've even had to take one belt up a notch.
Oh well, newbie adrenaline typing, sorry. Just wanted to thank thewookie and maybe that in itself will inspire someone else starting to swim.
G'day,
Mark
Thanks thewookie, that made a HUGE difference in what I was doing. Today was good for me, a "few" times, I actually felt right. I concentrated on looking below me and it automatically threw my body into, I think, a better alignment. I felt my feet break the water a little bit and my butt came up, there wasn't as much resistance and my head tilt was better. It felt easier to make kicks right from the hips/butt and more organized/structured. I was tired, cause I ran a mile and a half on the treadmill before I swam, but my form was good. I broke my swim into 1/2 or 3/4 the pool, rest, then finish the length, several times, probably 5 or 6 total laps. I know that sounds wussy, but I'm gradually building endurance and trying to keep good form, not just splash. I'm in no big hurry, I've already accomplished part of what I wanted. I've only started about a month or so ago, so I'm pleased. Best of all it feels good, especially with my head down more looking at the bottom below me, I guess I was looking in front of me.
I tell you this swimming is great for you. Combining it with what I already do and watching my fat/calorie intake, I've trimmed, I dunno, bout 5 or 6 lbs in a month or two. My clothes fit better, I've even had to take one belt up a notch.
Oh well, newbie adrenaline typing, sorry. Just wanted to thank thewookie and maybe that in itself will inspire someone else starting to swim.
G'day,
Mark
