Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance. And this was developed through, probably, thousands of miles in the pool. This is not rocket-science, it is a skill that has been developed. I know if I am taking 11 strokes per 25, or 12 or 13 or 14 because my body feels it.
If a swimmer swims enough, they are able to become "in tune" with such skills. Another such skill is knowing how fast one is traveling without looking at the clock. For those swimmers who spend a lot of time on pacing, they know how fast they are traveling within a second or two. For instance, I can tell if I am swimming a 2:35 200 free, or a 2:43.
These developed skills can prove mighty handy to a swimmer during a workout and in a race.
I have spoken to many swimmers who do this, so I am not alone. And, I am sure there are some of you here, too. This is the kind of skill that is developed similar to a person who is blind or deaf and they develop another sense to help them adjust to their lives around them.
Has anyone here experienced this? It is quite a joy when it happens and a very big surprise also.
Donna
Parents
Former Member
Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance. And this was developed through, probably, thousands of miles in the pool. This is not rocket-science, it is a skill that has been developed. I know if I am taking 11 strokes per 25, or 12 or 13 or 14 because my body feels it. Oh yes for sure. There's a huge difference between 11 and 12. It's a matter of right arm or left arm being the last one to pull. So the only real guess is was this 11 or 13? Or 12 or 14?
And I agree with you. 12 just feels very different than 14.
As for counting length, it's not required neither given one knows how to pace with the clock while swimming.
As for the pace, well, this I have more difficulty. I often start too fast thinking I was slower.
Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance. And this was developed through, probably, thousands of miles in the pool. This is not rocket-science, it is a skill that has been developed. I know if I am taking 11 strokes per 25, or 12 or 13 or 14 because my body feels it. Oh yes for sure. There's a huge difference between 11 and 12. It's a matter of right arm or left arm being the last one to pull. So the only real guess is was this 11 or 13? Or 12 or 14?
And I agree with you. 12 just feels very different than 14.
As for counting length, it's not required neither given one knows how to pace with the clock while swimming.
As for the pace, well, this I have more difficulty. I often start too fast thinking I was slower.
