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
I count my strokes during my intervals, but it is like an automatic process (I gues I built a counter in my brain during all these years).
I swim in a 25 m. pool and if I take 15 or 16 strokes per length, it is OK.
If it is 17, I am tired and if it is 18, I should stop for a while.
I can guess the timing too for 50 or 100 meters free with a deviation of 2-3 seconds.
Counting the strokes is OK, but increasing the stroke rate, keeping the stroke count constant is more important for me which I am not that good at. Would it help if I change my name to Alexander?
I count my strokes during my intervals, but it is like an automatic process (I gues I built a counter in my brain during all these years).
I swim in a 25 m. pool and if I take 15 or 16 strokes per length, it is OK.
If it is 17, I am tired and if it is 18, I should stop for a while.
I can guess the timing too for 50 or 100 meters free with a deviation of 2-3 seconds.
Counting the strokes is OK, but increasing the stroke rate, keeping the stroke count constant is more important for me which I am not that good at. Would it help if I change my name to Alexander?
